The OZEMPIC Body!
The Ozempic body emerges as an uncharted realm within the realm of extreme weight loss. While the body may shed pounds, it becomes burdened with folds of sagging skin, ushering in a torrent of emotional and, at times, physical pain. Chafing, denoting the rubbing of body parts against each other, adds to the discomfort.
Individuals undergoing weight loss, whether through surgery or injections, often find dissatisfaction lingering due to the presence of excess skin. One vividly described the sensation as akin to wearing a fat suit, where a thin person resides within an oversized facade. Clothing ceases to fit, excess tissues persist, and an overarching feeling of incompleteness and unhappiness prevails.
The different methods for treating weight loss never seem to stop changing with each passing decade. The most popular methods we are now seeing are in the form of prescription medications used to treat diabetes, such us Ozempic, Wegovy, or Saxenda. They have garnered a reputation for being very effective at facilitating rapid weight loss, thus the rise in their popularity, with people utilizing these medications to improve overall health, or even for postpartum women looking to drop the extra pounds they put on during pregnancy.
Losing weight quickly, when under the supervision of a health care provider, can have an overall positive impact, however, an important consideration is the impact on the skin. The sudden loss of the fat layer beneath the dermis can cause the skin to sag and fold as it is no longer stretched and supported, which can lead to discomfort, rashes, and even infections, due to skin friction. This can be very discouraging and frustrating for people whose goal is to improve their health and mobility by losing weight.
But all is not lost! There are methods that can be employed to help mitigate these challenges. While weight loss can have numerous health benefits, it's crucial to take care of your skin during the process. Some of these methods are:
- Building muscle mass. Muscle tissue helps fill out skin by taking the place of the lost fat, and improves the skin’s elasticity. To accomplish this, a strength training program combined with a diet that contains adequate protein is essential.
- Staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water contributes positively to your skin’s moisture levels, and to your overall health.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Consuming the right amounts of macro nutrients (carbs, protein and fat), vitamins, and minerals (fruits and vegetables), especially Vitamin C, can support collagen production and skin health.
- Wearing a Compression Garment: Compression garments aid the process of the skin contracting and forming back to your new shape throughout your weight loss journey. Compression garments also provide direct external support that holds skin in place during rapid weight reduction, helping to preserve vascular tissue and collagen fibers, reducing the risk of permanent damage and sagging of the skin. Well fit compression garments also function to protect skin from rubbing and associated chafing and rashes, greatly enhancing the wearer’s comfort during, and after, the weight loss process.
By using compression garments, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and seeking professional treatments when necessary, you can achieve your weight loss goals while still feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.