It’s no secret that the use of GLP-1 antagonists like Ozempic and Wegovy is more widespread than ever. While these medications have proved to be incredibly helpful for many, they are not without their fair share of side effects, from nausea to hair loss to the dreaded “Ozempic face.”
The side effect that Dr. Elizabeth Dulaney-Cripe, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, integrative medicine physician and founder of Valivera Health, is most concerned with is muscle loss.
“We are finding that with rapid weight loss or significant weight loss, we are losing muscle in addition to fat loss…and loss of bone density,” she said.
According to Delaney-Cripe, the key takeaway with managing GLP-1 side effects, especially those that may be riskier than others, is that foundational lifestyle changes continue to matter.
“Movement, exercise, strength training and nutrition are imperative to management of the side effects of these medications and maintenance of benefit once patients discontinue the medications,” she said.
Delaney-Cripe, along with other medical professionals, helped to create the selection of recommended items below, each of which may help manage the various symptoms associated with GLP-1 use and rapid weight loss.
As with any over-the-counter supplements and wellness tools, always be sure to consult your doctor before using any other products below.
The experts consulted for this story do not endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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Vital Proteins collagen peptides
Dulaney-Cripe said that while she favors food over supplements, she also knows that protein is very important. In fact, there’s a suggestion that side effects like “Ozempic face” — also the atrophy of the fatty tissue within the face — are seen less often with slow, steady weight loss, instead of rapid, and with a consistent intake of protein.
“Sometimes this means adding [protein] to food we are eating, or creating a shake,” Dulaney-Cripe said. “The most versatile unflavored collagen and protein product has been Vital Proteins. It may not have as much protein per serving as some other brands, but their products include additional supplements based on need.”
Easy to digest and quick to dissolve into any of your preferred beverages, this protein powder features hydrolyzed collagen peptides sourced from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. You’ve likely seen this unflavored additive all over the internet with its claims to offer several benefits, like hydrated skin and stronger nails. If you want your protein to have a little flavor, however, Vital Proteins comes in several flavor options like lemon, vanilla, and even pumpkin spice, which goes great with your morning coffee.
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A popular and effective hair regrowth treatment
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness in Chicago said that hair shedding is a common concern she’s seeing with GLP-1 patients, especially those losing weight quickly.
“The most common pattern is telogen effluvium, where the physical stress of rapid weight loss or inadequate nutrition pushes more hairs into the shedding phase,” she said. “But we’re also learning that fat plays a more important role in hair biology than we previously thought.”
Cheung said that managing hair loss and shedding in the case of GLP-1 involves more than just supporting scalp health, but also requires adequate nutrition. When it comes to products that actually promote hair growth, she suggests Rogaine, which uses 5% minoxidil and “remains one of the best OTC options,” according to her.
“It helps prolong the hair growth phase, and new formulations are less irritating,” Cheung said.
This once-a-day treatment contains a variety of botanical extracts and humectants, which can draw moisture into the hair, and is also in the form of a foam, which won’t drip down to other areas of the face, thus risking unwanted hair growth.
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A weighted vest to help improve bone density
As Dulaney-Cripe mentioned earlier, bone loss can be a potential side effect of GLP-1 use, and other orthopedic experts previously suggested the use of a weighted vest while walking to help improve bone density.
To properly use a weighted vest for walking to help with bone density or osteoporosis, Medical News Today suggests trying out a vest without weights first, then adding the lowest possible amount and slowly increasing that amount over time. (It’s generally recommended that you start with no more than 10% of your body weight, but always check with your physician first.)
This vest (which we chose) comes in three sizes and six colors, with six removable weights on each vest. The vest is designed to evenly distribute the load, and the neoprene material is strong and comfortable. The vest is also equipped with reflective strips for visibility and a pocket to hold your keys, phone and other essentials.
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An all-natural anti-nausea inhaler
Practicing physician and founder of M3 Healthspan, Dr. Molly Maloof, said that some people experience slowed gastric motility, which can impede consistent use and cause nausea.
Maloof didn’t mention the Allclair nausea inhaler in particular. However, experts previously told HuffPost that this drug-free and all-natural device can reduce nausea using herbal ingredients, such as peppermint or ginger, that interact with key receptors involved in the sensation of nausea. For example, peppermint’s main active component, menthol, can modulate certain serotonin receptors in the gut and central nervous system, which are part of the nausea and vomiting pathway.
Conveniently packaged like a lip balm and dual-ended to feature the inhaler component on one end and an oil dropper on the other (great for rubbing under the nose), the Allclair inhaler is fast-acting and won’t make you feel drowsy like some anti-nausea medications that contain sedatives.
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Lozenges to soothe queasy stomachs
Dulaney-Cripe said that her favorite brand of anti-nausea aids is Tummy Drops, which can help soothe queasy stomachs and promote digestion using organic peppermint or ginger extracts. Tummy Drops come in convenient lozenges, lollipops, and a few different flavors.
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Drug-free ginger chews
Dr. LaTasha Seliby Perkins, a Washington, D.C.-based family physician who specializes in GLP-1 medicine, said that ginger products, such as ginger tea, ginger tea or ginger ale may help ease nausea symptoms.
Perkins didn’t recommend a specific product or brand, but we chose these drug-free, edible chews that feature ginger and seem to be a true and effective winner for nausea sufferers. These honey, ginger and lemon-flavored taffy-like chews can calm morning sickness symptoms, motion sickness, uneasy stomachs and even heartburn using a ginger extract and a simple list of ingredients.
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Sugar-free electrolyte drink mix to keep you hydrated
“For vomiting, the priority is replacing the fluids and electrolytes the body loses,” Perkins said. “Electrolyte-containing drinks can help replenish those losses and support hydration by helping the body retain the fluids you consume.”
Based on her guidance, we chose to include these Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink additives, which are a popular choice among HuffPost editors and Amazon shoppers. Available in tons of sugar-free flavors from white peach to rainbow sherbet, these hydration multipliers come in convenient on-the-go sticks and feature eight vitamins and nutrients.
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A popular fiber aid containing psyllium husk
“For potential constipation, walking before and after you eat is recommended, adequate water intake throughout the day, and usually a fiber supplement,” Dulaney-Cripe said. “The most recommended fiber supplements are psyllium husk and methylcellulose.”
Dulaney-Cripe didn’t mention a specific psyllium husk or methylcellulose product, so we chose widely recognized Metamucil, a 4-in-1 sugar-free fiber supplement with a refreshing orange flavor that claims to support digestive health, maintain healthy blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
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Digestive enzymes to promote gut health
“I definitely recommend digestive enzymes to aid digestion,” Maloof said. “My favorite brand is Biooptimizers, they make the best digestive enzymes on the market.”
These100% plant-based, pre-meal capsules contain 18 different enzymes that promise to “optimize digestion, reduce bloating, and maximize nutrient absorption for better gut health,” according to the brand.
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A skin barrier repair body cream
According to Cheung, when people aren’t eating or hydrating as well, their skin can feel drier and more sensitive.
“Ceramides help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and reduce moisture loss. A healthy barrier is the foundation for everything else we do to improve skin quality,” she said, suggesting the CeraVe ceramide-filled moisturizing cream.
This thick and ultra-rich moisturizer has been recommended to us by experts more times than we can count. In fact, we’ve previously dubbed this all-purpose formula the highest-rated product that we’d ever seen and possibly the best moisturizer to date. It’s a rich, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream that releases a steady stream of targeted moisturizing ingredients in an emollient-rich formula, which can be great for managing crepey skin or conditions like eczema.
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A copper peptide serum for plumping
Cheung, who suggested this anti-aging facial serum by Quicksilver Scientific, explained that rapid weight loss can mean losing the fat that supports our skin, especially in the face, leading to hollowing, sagging, and more noticeable wrinkles.
“When we lose facial fat, we’re not just losing volume. We’re changing the structural and cellular environment that helps support healthy skin. So GLP-1-related facial aging is not just from a loss of volume, but also from a loss of regenerative capacity,” she said.
Topically applied peptides, according to Cheung, may help improve hydration and the appearance of fine lines.
“Copper GHK acts as a signaling molecule in tissue repair and remodeling, including collagen and elastin production. And cycloastragenol is interesting for skin longevity and repair by activating telomerase and reducing inflammation.
This serum also contains vitamins C and E, two well-studied antioxidants that can neutralize environmental stressors responsible for premature skin aging.
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A popular retinoid gel
“Retinoids are one of our best-studied ingredients for stimulating collagen production and improving fine lines and texture,” Cheung said. “They won’t replace lost facial fat, but they can help improve the quality and firmness of the skin over time. I recommend starting slowly, especially if the skin is already dry or sensitive.”
One over-the-counter retinoid that she suggests is Differin Gel, a 0.1% adapalene treatment that can be useful for more than just acne and fine lines. Adapalene, which is the gentlest in the retinoid family, also has some ability to improve the appearance of sun damage, according to experts in previous HuffPost reporting.
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A vitamin C serum that delivers anti-aging benefits to the skin
Another recommendation from Cheung: The La Roche-Posay vitamin C serum.
“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis and helps protect against environmental damage and brightens skin tone,” she said.
This fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula contains 12% vitamin C as well as salicylic acid to help exfoliate skin and control excessive oil production.
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A smart water bottle that reminds you to sip throughout the day
“Drinking smaller volumes more frequently is better tolerated, especially if there is nausea,” Delaney-Cripe said. She suggested the use of a timer app or smart water bottle that can help remind GLP-1 users to drink water throughout the day,
We found a smart water bottle that seems to align with her recommendation. The WaterH Boost is a stainless steel, double-walled and leakproof bottle that uses a halo light on the lid to silently remind you to sip water throughout the day and pairs with your smartphone to provide you with real-time information about your hydration habits. It comes in two sizes.
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An affordable and well-loved hyaluronic acid serum
Cheung picks this classic and affordable 2% hyaluronic acid serum by The Ordinary, a popular ingredient that attracts water into the skin, giving it a temporarily plumper, smoother appearance.
“This can be especially helpful when patients are noticing fine lines and crepiness after weight loss. I recommend applying a good moisturizer over the hyaluronic acid serum to help seal that hydration in the skin,” she said.
In addition to five forms of hyaluronic acid, this serum contains skin barrier-repairing ceramides and vitamin B5 to help seal in moisture.
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Anti-diarrheal soft gels
“For diarrhea, over-the-counter medications like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol can help manage symptoms,” Perkins said.
These Imodium soft gel capsules promise to help your body absorb fluids and salts that restore stool consistency and relieve symptoms of diarrhea for up to 24 hours.
“Foods like bananas can also be useful because they are easy on the stomach and can help replace potassium loss,” Perkins added.