Ozempic tongue, Ozempic face — are these side effects real, and should we worry?

Ed Milner | Last update: 15th June 2025

 TL;DR:

• ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic tongue’ are the latest buzzy terms trending online
• Some people report facial hollowing or changes in oral health after rapid weight loss
• These aren’t drug-specific side effects though – they’re often linked to how weight loss changes your body
• SlimrChat says: Don’t panic, stay informed, and focus on long-term health
• Always speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if anything feels off

First came ‘Ozempic face’. Now it’s ‘Ozempic tongue’.

Over the past year, weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity. Alongside that success has come a wave of public scrutiny, and now a parade of headline-grabbing side effect nicknames.

You’ve probably heard of ‘Ozempic face’, a term coined by dermatologists to describe facial volume loss or sagging that can occur after rapid weight loss. Now, ‘Ozempic tongue’ is doing the rounds, with some users reporting a metallic taste, oral dryness, swelling, or tongue sensitivity.

Media coverage has been quick to amplify these claims, sparking anxiety and a sense that new side effects are cropping up weekly.

🔗 Read the Independent’s take on the ‘side effect circus’

Are these real side effects — or just scary names?

Here’s what we know:

Ozempic face

• Not a side effect of the drug itself
• Happens when people lose fat rapidly, especially in the face
• Can make skin appear loose or gaunt, but this happens with any rapid weight loss, not just Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic
• It’s not dangerous, though it may affect how some people feel about their appearance

Ozempic tongue

• Some users report tongue swelling, altered taste, or a strange coating
• These may be caused by dehydration, changes in diet, acid reflux, or dry mouth — all of which can occur on GLP-1 drugs
• It’s rare and not officially listed as a side effect, but it’s being studied
• If it happens to you, it’s worth checking with your doctor, especially if it lasts more than a few days

🔗 Business Standard’s explainer on these side effects

What SlimrChat thinks about all this

Honestly? We get it. Losing weight can change your body in unexpected ways — and not all of them feel good at first.

However, let’s be clear: these ‘side effects’ are not reasons to panic. They’re reminders that weight loss, especially fast, medically assisted weight loss, is a process. Your body is adjusting, your face might look different or your mouth might feel off. That doesn’t mean something is going wrong.

It means it’s time to:

✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Eat nutrient-rich foods (even when your appetite is low)
✅ Monitor how you feel — and talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any persistent symptoms
✅ Focus on sustainable health, not headlines

Don’t let clickbait derail your journey

Yes, the media loves a shock headline. But terms like ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic tongue’ are often more about traffic than truth. They make great soundbites, but they don’t reflect the real, lived experience of most users.

At SlimrChat, we’ve seen people gain control of their eating, reduce health risks, and feel confident again thanks to weight loss drugs. Are there side effects? Sure, that’s why we have these conversations, to be honest, supportive, and realistic.

🔗 Read our article: The most common side effects of weight-loss drugs and how to deal with them

Bottom line: Stay calm, stay informed

If you’re experiencing strange side effects, whether it’s a coated tongue or a change in your face, you’re not alone. It doesn’t mean the drug isn’t working. It just means your body is adjusting. And like any health journey, it takes patience, hydration, and support.

We’re not here for scare stories. We’re here for real stories. If you’ve noticed changes and want to talk about them, head to the SlimrChat forums and share your experience. You might just find someone who gets it.