GEMMA Collins has been left horrified after noticing changes to her face which she believes could be linked to weight loss jabs.
The former Towie star, 44, has been using the NHS-approved drug Mounjaro since November in a bid to lose weight.
She quickly shifted two stone and, earlier this year, confidently told us that she expects to be six stone lighter by next month.
However, while the pounds have been falling away, Gemma is convinced her face is aging at an increased rate, with deep lines and wrinkles appearing out of nowhere.
She wrote on social media: “I really don’t know what’s happened to me, I really don’t. It’s just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I’ve had any little tweakments.
“I don’t know if it’s since I’ve been losing weight. I sure haven’t got ‘Ozempic face’ yet, but it would be the dream right now.
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“I’ve always had a fuller face, as you know. I do like expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. But this just isn’t right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it’d get to.”
Loose skin and sagging are a known effects of using drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic due to the change in the amount of fat stored in the face.
At her heaviest, Gemma weighed over 23st and was a size 26. She told us that she couldn’t even roll over in bed and was left unable to wear sexy lingerie.
During her darkest period Gemma had a secret operation to have a gastric balloon fitted called an Obalon Balloon, but was left feeling so unwell she believed she’d die.
Now, after years of fad diets, Gemma believes Mounjaro is her best shot of dropping weight for good and could even help her achieve her dream of becoming a mum.
She said: “I think I’ll give birth to twins next year!
“I can’t believe I’ve finally found something that works. I’ve lost nearly two stone already and it’s been completely effortless – I don’t even want to eat anymore!”
Gemma told us how she started noticing a change to her body composition just days after beginning her course of jabs.
She said: “I was like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable.’ The weight was finally coming off of me.
“I got on the scales and lost something like 6kg in my first week. I bet my house by May, I’ll have six stone off. And it’s been effortless.”
She added: “I’ve struggled for many, many years to lose weight… All my life… I tried everything.”
“I can remember at school taking a tablet called Reductil… (an appetite suppressant which is now unavailable and was taken off the market).
“I’ve saved money being on Mounjaro, probably £1,500 a month on the weekly shop. My life doesn’t revolve around food any more.”
The constant battle with food has been a heavy burden for Gemma over the years, leading to periods of depression and desperation.
But she now feels hopeful that those days are over.
“I was starving before,” she continued. “I would be suicidal on diets. That awful feeling of… ‘Have I got to spend the rest of my life in this toxic dieting chain?’
“I know that depression, upset and desperation. I’ve been weighing food portions and eating two boiled eggs a day for years.
“I don’t have that any more. No one understands unless they’ve been there too, but I’m excited for my future now.
“This is a revolutionary, life-changing drug for someone who has struggled with weight their whole life.
“There’s all this pressure people don’t realise. A weight problem clouds your whole life.”
What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro
IF you’re losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it’s important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here’s what you can do:
Evaluate Your Caloric Intake
Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you’re losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try:
- Tracking your food intake to ensure you’re eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help).
- Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight).
- Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy.
Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor’s Approval)
If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may:
- Pause dose increases or lower your dosage.
- Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss.
Strength Training & Exercise
To prevent muscle loss:
- Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week.
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga.
Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes
- Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst).
- Electrolytes matter – Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued.
Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies
Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience:
- Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements.
Consider Further Medical Guidance
If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.
They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.