The super ‘common' Ozempic side effect ‘many' will experience – and Sharon Osbourne has admitted she's a victim
FROM eggy burps to stomach-churning nausea, there appears to be an endless list of side effects linked to Ozempic-like jabs.
But now, experts are getting candid on a fat jab complication that might shock many.
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Ozempic, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has now become almost as famous as the rapidly-thinning stars who may - or may not - be using it.
It's the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections, but is said to cause ' Ozempic neck ', ' Ozempic feet ', ' Ozempic butt ' and even ' Ozempic lines '.
Just last month, Fabulous revealed the newly discovered and incredibly brutal 'Ozempic aftermath', as experts detailed some of the horrendous side effects that are flooding clinics.
But not only should people be concerned about the effects it can have on skin, teeth and energy levels, as it turns out there's something else that fat jabs users need to be aware of.
Millions across the world are using GLP-1 medications to slim down, using Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, to drop up to a fifth of their body weight.
The drugs, which have been hailed a 'miracle' by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full.
While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Lottie Moss, 26, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, now, Sharon Osbourne, 72, is said to be the latest victim of a worrying side effect.
While many are concerned that those using Ozempic will pile on the pounds immediately after coming off of fat jabs, according to experts, 'many' could experience the total opposite.
Not only may people find it 'harder to gain weight' after using Ozempic-like jabs, but they could also 'lead to frailty', muscle and strength loss, particularly for those in their 60s.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, experts have now set the record straight on why some will struggle to gain weight after using fat jabs including, but not limited to, Ozempic.
Inside Hollywood's worrying obsession with fat jabs - and what newly slimline Christina Aguilera really thinks of Ozempic claims
Mohamed Imran Lakhi, director and superintendent pharmacist at Prescription Doctor, who has over 20 years of experience, tells us: 'When people stop taking medications like Ozempic it's common to see changes in weight management.
'Ozempic works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, so when someone stops the treatment, their body may return to previous hunger and digestion patterns.
'This can make it harder to gain weight at first because the body is still adjusting to normal insulin and appetite signals.
'Over time, most people's weight will stabilise, but it can feel like a struggle initially.
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'This effect isn't unique to Sharon Osbourne. Many who use these medications experience similar challenges once they stop.
'It's important to manage expectations and work closely with healthcare providers to maintain a healthy weight through diet and lifestyle after stopping the medication.'
It comes after just days ago, Sharon Osbourne, 72, sparked concern over her gaunt appearance after being spotted out and about in Los Angeles.
The former X Factor judge also revealed that after using Ozempic, she is now unable to gain weight.
'Godzilla' of fat jabs
Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.'
Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that's been available on the NHS since 2020.
While Mounjaro is hailed as the "King Kong" fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed "Godzilla" looks set to displace it.
Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year.
By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent.
Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, 'turbocharging' calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs.
Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism.
The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it's not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS.
The TV personality, who lost 42 pounds with the help of the diabetes drug, previously revealed she "didn't actually want to go this thin".
Her frail look raised concern after she stepped out with daughter Aimee, 41, for a shopping trip, just days ago.
The TV star's face looked slimmer than ever, with her jawline incredibly pronounced.
Not only this, but she also left fans concerned after she shared a clip on social media showing off her shrinking frame whilst wearing a loose fitting sweater and cream trousers.
Concerned fans rushed to the comments, as one wrote: 'Sharon, I love you but you are way too thin.'
A second chimed in: 'She looks ill, poor thing,' while someone else advised: 'Please stop losing weight.'
Meanwhile, another begged: 'Please go eat a cheeseburger.'
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While Sharon was initially pleased with her results after starting the medication back in December 2022, she has recently admitted fears she had taken it too far.
Revealing all on Howie Mandel 's podcast, Sharon confessed: 'I can't put on weight now, and I don't know what it's done to my metabolism, but I just can't seem to put any on, because I think I went too far.'
As well as this, Sharon recently told Daily Mail about her "frustration" with the lingering effects, as she shared: 'Now, I weigh just over 7st. I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight.
'I've had enough. I've given up on all interventions. I couldn't have much more facial surgery - there's not that much skin left to stretch, pull or cut. And I won't have any more fillers or Botox.
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
'I don't think I'll ever be happy with the way I look.
'I've learned my lesson. This is me. It's finally time to leave well alone.'
Not only this, but Sharon claimed doctors are at a loss as to why she hasn't been able to gain weight back after she stopped using Ozempic months ago, as she stressed: 'The doctors can't figure it out.'
But Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, tells us that Ozempic users over 65 will struggle much more than others to gain weight after coming off of fat jabs.
Kiran says: 'Media personality Sharon Osbourne has been vocal about her use of Ozempic and has lost over 40 pounds with the help of the popular medication.
'However, she's since revealed that she's struggling to regain weight since coming off the drug, as she feels she's lost too much weight.
'While many people do regain weight after stopping Ozempic and other GLP-1s, this isn't always the case for patients over 65.
'Older adults often experience a natural decline in appetite as part of the ageing process. Add the lasting effects of a GLP-1 medicine, and it can become quite difficult to eat enough to put weight back on.'
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As well as this, Kiran adds: 'In some cases, the weight loss itself changes the body's needs.
'With less muscle and a slower metabolism, older patients simply don't need as much food, so if appetite stays low, weight regain can slow or stop.
'What looks like 'success' from a weight loss perspective can actually lead to frailty in this group, especially if they've lost muscle or strength along the way.'
Kiran observes a 'shift' that can 'stick', as she continues: 'Many patients adjust their habits while on Ozempic, they start eating smaller meals and feeling full faster.
'That shift can stick, even after stopping the medication. For older people, who may already eat lightly, this can make it even harder to increase food intake again.
'It's worth noting that older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of nausea or stomach upset, even after stopping.
"If food feels unappealing or difficult to digest, eating more becomes a real challenge.
'For patients over 65, weight management after Ozempic needs a more tailored approach. It's not just about weight on the scale. It's about strength, function, and making sure people stay well-nourished.
'This group may benefit from extra clinical support, not just during treatment but also after, especially if they're struggling to gain weight or feel well.'
Similarly, Dr Ed Robinson, a leading aesthetic doctor, recognises that perimenopausal women, as well as those battling menopause, may struggle to gain weight after using Ozempic.
Dr Ed explains: 'The only way in which Ozempic could have long-term effects like this is if you lost so much weight and so much muscular atrophy while taking the drug.
'Then it is very difficult to put weight back on - especially for menopausal or postmenopausal women who don't have the levels of hormone anymore.'
Dr Ed describes Sharon as 'so thin' and 'quite frail looking', as he concludes: 'It could potentially have put her in a position where it is extremely hard to regain the weight she has lost, with regards to muscle and bone strength.
'If you are too frail, it is hard to do the necessary exercises to boost strength.'
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