Ozempic era wellness and how GLP-1 weight loss drugs are changing your body, skin and hair
Searches for GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in the last two years and millions of people are now using them for diabetes and weight management worldwide.
This is reshaping food choices, fitness habits, and even aesthetic concerns around skin and hair.
At The Wellness, we meet more and more patients who want to use these medicines safely while protecting muscle metabolic health skin and hair. This short guide walks through what is happening and how to support your body if you are on a GLP-1 or thinking about it.
How GLP 1 weight loss drugs work in simple terms
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a natural gut hormone that helps you feel full, slows stomach emptying, and improves insulin response. Clinical trials show that drugs in this family can support significant weight loss and better blood sugar control in people with obesity or type two diabetes.
The combination of less hunger and smaller portions is powerful but it comes with trade offs if nutrition training and recovery are not planned properly.
The downsides no one explains clearly
Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and bowel changes. Some users also report fatigue and difficulty hitting protein and micronutrient targets because they simply do not feel like eating enough.
Three key risks matter for long term health
Muscle loss
Rapid weight loss often means a mix of fat and lean tissue. Research shows that low muscle mass is linked with higher all cause mortality and worse outcomes as we age.Nutrient gaps
Appetite suppression can lead to low intake of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These are all crucial for energy immune function hair growth and skin repair.Skin and hair changes
Fast fat loss can make the face look more hollow, sometimes called Ozempic face with looser skin and deeper lines.
Emerging reports also suggest that GLP-1 drugs may be associated with temporary hair shedding possibly through stress on the hair cycle and nutrition.
None of this means the medicines are wrong. It means they need a structured plan around them.
Protecting muscle and metabolism while on GLP 1 treatment
If you are using a GLP-1 or planning to start one it is worth treating this as a structured health programme rather than a quick fix.
Foundations to protect muscle and energy
Aim for a protein rich meal pattern based on your body weight and activity
Include full body resistance training at least two days per week as recommended in UK guidelines which show that strength work lowers risk of chronic disease and supports healthy ageing.
Add low impact cardio such as walking or cycling for heart and metabolic health
The Wellness can support with lab testing, body composition analysis, and a personalised training and nutrition plan so you can lose weight without sacrificing strength.
Hair skin and regenerative treatments where PRP and PRF fit in
If you notice shedding thinning or a tired facial appearance during or after rapid weight loss you are not alone.
Evidence from systematic reviews shows that platelet rich plasma PRP can improve hair density in androgenetic alopecia and is generally safe when performed by trained clinicians.
Newer work on platelet rich fibrin (PRF) suggests similar or potentially stronger regenerative effects for hair follicles with encouraging early results.
For skin multiple reviews report that PRP can improve texture fine lines and overall skin quality with low downtime and a good safety profile.
At The Wellness we view PRP and PRF as part of a wider plan that includes nutrition hormone and micronutrient assessment so that we treat both the root causes and the visible changes.
How The Wellness can help
If you are on a GLP-1 journey or considering one The Wellness can help you:
Build a personalised strength and movement plan
Optimise nutrition and supplementation to protect hair skin and hormones
Explore PRP or PRF for hair restoration or skin quality where appropriate
You can book a comprehensive consultation with The Wellness team in London or read more about our approach here. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.