Medical expert warns of facial changes from weight loss injections

General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sönmez Ocak has issued warnings regarding the use of second-generation weight loss injections, which are increasingly being used without a prescription for weight management rather than their original intended purpose of treating diabetes.

Dr. Ocak noted that these injections work by mimicking satiety hormones to send fullness signals to the brain and by delaying gastric emptying. While they can lead to a maximum weight loss of approximately 20 percent of body weight, they are not a substitute for obesity surgery.

The specialist warned that the rapid melting of subcutaneous fat tissue can cause undesirable changes to facial features, including sagging and an aged appearance. Furthermore, without adequate vitamin and protein support, users may face risks of muscle and bone loss. Other potential health risks mentioned include pancreatitis, gallstones, and thyroid cancer.