Ozempic weight loss...but feeling worse?

CellSet

CellSet

Well-known member
Okay, so I'm just gonna put this out there... I've dropped 38 pounds, which is the most I've ever managed. Everyone keeps telling me how great I look, and my clothes are practically falling off. By all accounts, it's working. But when I look in the mirror, something just feels...off. I feel like I've deflated. My arms seem softer, and my face looks gaunt and tired, making me look older, not healthier. I even feel weaker than I thought I would. It's like losing the weight took something else with it. I keep expecting to feel like 'me' again, but it hasn't happened yet. And the worst part is, I feel alone in this because everyone else just sees the scale going down and thinks I should be happy. My doctor didn't mention any of this, and I just assumed losing weight would automatically mean looking and feeling better. I feel totally unprepared for how I feel. Has anyone else experienced this? What changed for you, and what were you not expecting? Did anyone warn you? How far along were you when it hit you? Did it improve, or are you still dealing with it? Seriously, any stories would be appreciated right now. I feel like this whole side of it is never discussed, and I'm just feeling lost and alone. So, thank you for any input...
 
This is actually super common but not talked about enough. The fast weight loss can prevent your skin from adjusting, and you probably lost some muscle, especially if you weren't getting enough protein. Luckily, it can get better! Your skin will keep tightening for the next 6-12 months. For the soft/weak feeling, strength training and getting enough protein (0.8-1g per lb body weight) will help you rebuild. As for the face, that's sometimes called 'ozempic face' and it's from losing facial fat too quickly. Some people try facial exercises or microneedling/RF treatments, but usually it just takes time to adjust. Try not to compare yourself to what you thought would happen. Your body went through a huge change, so give it time.
 
Look, if you want a fit look, you have to actually be fit. Body composition is way more important than what the scale says, which you're learning now. The scale isn't necessarily linked to health, and definitely not to looking good. People think a certain number on the scale or BMI will magically make them look amazing, but it's not that simple. The good news is it's fixable, but it'll take time—probably a year of strength training. It's also important for your bones, metabolism, hormones, and how long you live. Muscle shapes your body in ways that surgery can't. I'm sorry you feel unprepared, but now you know what to do. Also, be kind to yourself. We compare ourselves to people who are posed, photoshopped, and made to look more perfect than they are. Strength training will help, but it won't necessarily fix your insecurities. We're always hardest on ourselves and focus on what we don't like. Getting used to your new body takes time.
 
I dropped 115lbs. What helped me was lifting weights and eating enough protein. I didn't want to look like a deflated balloon. I'm now almost the weight I was in high school and stronger than ever. Also, my face went back to normal after a bit.
 
Totally get it. I take full responsibility. I lost muscle because I didn't eat enough protein or lift weights. And yeah, I'm saggy. If I hadn't overeaten so much before, I wouldn't have stretched out my skin so much. But, I'm at my lowest weight since 2012, so I'm trying to focus on the positives, like not being controlled by cravings, less knee pain, and lower cholesterol.
 
Taking it for the diabetes not loss. That brand lowered blood sugar but made me ill three days weekly. This other one took weeks but works pretty well side stuff isn't as rough.
 
This happened to my cousin. She lost about 120 lbs and I saw her over the holidays and she was miserable! Everyone kept saying how great she looked and praising her for "getting healthy", but I asked her how she really felt. She felt the same way you do. She didn't recognize herself, her face was hollow, she couldn't do her usual CrossFit, and she didn't know how to dress anymore, and felt like a shell. I know my story isn't my own, but hearing her made me so sad and made me realize that other people might feel the same. I hate that society focuses so much on just the weight lost.
 
Wearing clothes that fit will make a huge difference immediately. Your old clothes will be too big, which will make you look weird. You will also notice a lot of loose skin. Depending on your age, it might bounce back, or it might not. Drink tons of water and start weight training if you aren't already. Both will help. Some people need skin removal surgery after losing extreme amounts of weight.
 
I know two people who lost a lot of weight and look just like you described: sunken, hollow-faced, and not necessarily 'healthier'. It worried me. They might be healthier based on lab results, but they don't look it. Weight loss is a big stress on the body, and skin might not bounce back, especially depending on age. It bugs me that we always praise skinny people and ignore how they feel or what they went through to get there. I feel for you. ❤️
 
Thanks @Yuki_2004, that really helps to hear. It's like everyone expects me to be ecstatic, but I'm also dealing with this weird disconnect. I keep trying on clothes and feeling like I'm still the bigger size I used to be. It's like my brain hasn't caught up with my body yet.
 
CellSet said:
It's like my brain hasn't caught up with my body yet.
Click to expand...
That's super common. Body dysmorphia can be a real issue after significant weight loss. Some people find it helps to look at old photos side-by-side with current ones to help their brain adjust.
 
I think it's important to remember that weight loss, especially rapid weight loss, is a significant stress on the body. It's not always just a positive thing, even if the numbers improve. It's great that you're focusing on the health benefits, @CellSet, but it's also valid to acknowledge the emotional and psychological adjustments that need to happen too.
 
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