Mames Ozempic: what to know about this weight loss drug side effect

Mames ozempiques is not a clinical term, but it has entered the public lexicon.

Ozempic breasts is a newer term that people are now using to refer to unexpected changes in breast size or shape as a result of Ozempic-induced rapid weight loss, says Christopher Costa MD, MPH, the founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery.

According to Elie Levine, MD FACS, director of plastic surgery at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC, the most common symptoms include loss of volume, sagging, tenderness, and rarely, some describe fluctuations in size including swelling.

Although more research is needed, every expert Healthline spoke with pointed to the same likely cause for breast changes.

In the chest area, rapid fat loss can leave the skin envelope hollow, making breasts appear deflated and nipples looking down, says Ronald F. Rosso, MD, medical director of Peninsula Plastic Surgery. This appearance is very similar to what happens after patients have had more traditional weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass.

Levine points out that there is no research to support breast changes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. In fact, Levine says they probably do for some patients, and he echoed Rossos’ sentiments.

Ozempic can affect your body’s weight and hormones, Levine says. As a result of changes in weight and hormones, other changes can occur, such as the appearance of the breasts. However, especially if one loses considerable weight, it is reasonable to think that the weight loss will include all parts of the body, including the breasts.

Ozempic and Wegovy use the active ingredient, semaglutide, an agonist of the GLP-1 hormone receptor.

The hormone, which occurs naturally in the body, plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite and body weight, Costa says. So basically the medication makes you feel fuller for longer, you don’t experience cravings and you don’t eat as much because you’re less hungry.

Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy and a person’s menstrual cycle, can cause temporary changes in the breasts, such as swelling. Since GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone, could the same be true for these drugs?

It is not clear.

Ozempic’s effects on testosterone and estrogen are currently being studied, but there are no definitive data on their interactions at this time, Costa says. More research is needed to directly link the hormonal changes affecting breast tissue to the use of this medication because it is currently understood to mainly affect blood sugar and appetite hormones.

Costa notes that breast changes do not appear to be a cause for concern at this time.

Each individual is different, says Costa. However, breast changes are usually correlated with general weight changes as opposed to Ozempic specifically.

However, some people may experience physical and emotional discomfort related to these changes and want solutions. First, it is better to wait before seeking professional procedures.

I advise my patients to wait until they can maintain their desired weight before making any decisions, says Costa.

Also, doctors only recommend stopping medication after talking to a healthcare professional first.

2022 research indicated that those who stopped using semaglutide regained approximately two-thirds of the weight lost within a year. This is commonly known as Ozempic rebound.

Still, there are ways to manage physical discomfort while taking GLP-1 medications and, if and when the time is right for a patient, the appearance of the breasts as well.

The experts offered the following advice:

Home care

While procedures can help with breast changes, experts share some remedies for both appearance and pain that can be handled at home.

Wearing a supportive bra 24/7, except when showering, can be helpful in limiting the effects of weight loss combined with stretching and sagging caused by gravity, says Levine.

Swelling can also be reduced with minimally invasive steps.

While there may be some discomfort with it, massaging your breasts can help increase circulation and reduce swelling, says Levine. Also, ibuprofen or Tylenol or applying a cool compress can help relieve some of the discomfort.

Procedures

Patients may also consider or opt for a procedure. These may include:

• Breast lift (mastopexy)
• breast augmentation
• Breast lift with implants

A breast lift helps lift and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour, says Costa. I notice that patients who feel insecure due to sagging breasts after rapid weight loss will opt for this procedure to perk up their breasts and give them a fuller shape.

Also, people who aren’t happy with a smaller breast size can opt for an augmentation to restore volume, Costa says.

[It can help people] feel like themselves again, says Costa.

Others may opt for both.

Many patients are very put off when I tell them that a breast lift will make them lose a cup size, says Costa. As such, these patients will opt for a combination of a facelift and augmentation implants to achieve the desired aesthetic. This is usually the case when the patient has a significant loss of volume and sagging.

That said, the procedures are not the best fit for every patient.

While surgery often addresses patients’ concerns, it’s not for everyone, Levine says. I recommend that you speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options even if, in the end, you decide that it is not for you or is not for you at this time. There is power in knowledge.

adopt it

Doing nothing is a perfectly acceptable solution for Ozempic breasts.

Your body after Ozempic can be completely different, says Costa. This means accepting that the overall volume and shape of the breast may be affected. If you’re not ready for a cosmetic procedure, it’s okay to embrace your new look. Go shopping for new clothes that fit your new size and bust to create the best version of yourself.

Ozempic breasts are the last reported side effect of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

The term is used to refer to unexpected changes in breast size or shape as a result of extreme weight loss caused by GLP-1 medications.

Sagging, tenderness and loss of volume are among the most common symptoms people report.

Hormonal changes can also cause bloating, but health experts say it should be temporary.

Surgical procedures such as breast lift and implants can alter the appearance of sagging and loss of volume.