15

SPORTS & 

FITNESS 

& LIVING

Mountain View News Saturday, April 12, 2025


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.
com. Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

UNLOCK YOUR LIFE

OZEMPIC FACE?

In recent months, weight loss medications 
like Ozempic and its counterparts, Wegovy 
and Mounjaro, have gained popularity for 
their effectiveness in helping individuals shed 
pounds. However, as more people turn to 
these drugs for weight management, a troubling 
side effect has emerged that many 
weren’t prepared for: “Ozempic Face.” But 
that’s not all. Other significant complications 
are now coming out, making it essential to understand 
both the benefits and potential risks 
associated with these medications.

What Is Ozempic Face?

“Ozempic Face” is a term used to describe 
the noticeable sagging and loss of facial volume 
that some individuals experience while 
using Ozempic for weight loss. The drug, which is primarily used for managing 
type 2 diabetes and obesity, works by regulating blood sugar and 
reducing appetite. However, the rapid weight loss it induces can cause 
the face to lose fat, leading to a gaunt, aged appearance.

In addition to the facial changes, many people report that the skin 
around their cheeks, chin, and neck begins to loosen, contributing to 
the “face droop.” Some users, particularly those with already delicate 
skin, notice more pronounced effects, which can be distressing for those 
not expecting such changes.

What’s Behind the Facial Changes?

When you lose weight rapidly, especially from the face, the skin doesn’t 
always have enough time to adapt to the new shape, leading to sagging. 
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity, so the 
process of major weight loss can speed up the effects of aging. The 
sudden shift in facial fat and volume leaves some people feeling self-
conscious about their appearance.

While “Ozempic Face” is one of the most discussed side effects, it's not 
just about vanity. Many people use these medications for health reasons, 
such as managing obesity or diabetes, and the aesthetic changes 
can come as a depressing surprise.

More Than Just Facial Changes

Although “Ozempic Face” has caught much of the attention, other side 
effects of Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs are becoming more 
concerning. These include:

1. Gastrointestinal Distress

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While 
these symptoms often subside after a few weeks, they can be debilitating 
for some users. Many people actually discontinue the medication 
due to the severity of these stomach-related issues.

2. Rapid Weight Loss and Loose Skin

Aside from facial sagging, users may also experience skin looseness on 
other parts of their body, like the arms and abdomen. This is particularly 
concerning for individuals who were not expecting such changes and 
may require surgical intervention to remove excess skin.

3. Hair Loss

Rapid weight loss can shock the body, leading to temporary hair loss as 
the body reallocates its energy and nutrients. This can be emotionally 
draining, especially when already dealing with other physical changes.

4. Mental and Emotional Side Effects

Some users have reported mental health challenges while using Ozempic. 
Mood swings, depression, and anxiety are common complaints. 
While these drugs are designed to manage physical weight, they might 
have unintended psychological effects, especially when users are dealing 
with rapid changes to their appearance or lifestyle.

5. Long-Term Health Risks

Long-term safety of these medications is still under scrutiny. The potential 
risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and kidney complications. 
Some studies suggest that users might be at higher risk for certain 
types of cancer as well, though more research is needed to confirm 
these links.

6. The Effect on Natural Appetite Regulation

One of the reasons these drugs are so effective is that they alter the 
body’s natural mechanisms for appetite regulation. This is great to reduce 
food intake, but it could also lead to eating habits that might not 
be sustainable long-term. Over time, the body may adjust, and the 
weight could return once the medication is stopped.

Is Ozempic Worth the Risk?

If you're considering using Ozempic for weight loss, it’s essential to consult 
with a healthcare provider to determine if the medication is right for 
you. While the drug can offer dramatic results, there are also complications 
that can affect both your physical appearance and your overall 
health.

Proceed with Caution

Before taking any weight loss drug, carefully consider all aspects of 
the treatment. Research the pros and cons. Discuss risks, potential side 
effects, and long-term implications with a healthcare professional to 
make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and overall well-
being. Using a weight loss drug to solve one problem can be effective, 
but if it creates a new issue, it may not be the right solution. We’ve seen 
that many times before.

THOREAU'S CODE FOR LIFE: 

SUCCESS UNEXPECTED IN 

COMMON HOURS

Over the past few weeks, we've been exploring Henry David Thoreau's 
timeless code for living a deliberate life. Today, we conclude our series 
with cracking the Thoreau code:

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which 
he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some 
things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin 
to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted 
in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings."

Crossing an Invisible Boundary

Thoreau tells us we "will pass an invisible boundary when we advance confidently and endeavor 
toward our imagined life." What is this boundary? It's everything that has held us back 
up until now—our limiting thoughts, our worries about others' opinions, our fears of failure, 
and perhaps even our fears of success.

This invisible boundary exists in our minds, forming a perimeter around what we believe is 
possible for us. But once crossed, we discover that the boundary was never real—it was merely 
a construct of our own thinking, reinforced by habit and hesitation.

Success Unexpected in Common Hours

Thoreau promises that by living deliberately, we "will meet with a success unexpected in common 
hours." I like to think of "common hours" as the peanut gallery—those cheap seats in the 
theater occupied by critics who offer unhelpful opinions.

The peanut gallery exists in two forms: external and internal. Externally, it's the well-meaning 
friends and family who may try to "protect" us from disappointment or failure. In reality, 
they're often protecting themselves from witnessing our struggle or potential pain. It allows 
them to stay comfortable in their cocoon of boredom and disappointment in their lives.

The peanut gallery exists within our own minds—those negative thought patterns and fears 
that whisper we can't, we shouldn't, we might fail. To truly endeavor, we must confront these 
voices, question them, and ultimately, talk back to them.

It's not enough to simply silence these thoughts; the universe abhors a vacuum. We must replace 
them with affirmations that support our journey. When the peanut gallery whispers "This 
might not work," respond with "I'm learning valuable lessons with every step." When it suggests 
"people will judge you," answer with "I'm creating a life that resonates with my true self."

Imagining a Life You Would Love

To experience the success Thoreau describes, you must first dare to imagine a life you would 
absolutely love. What would it look like? How would it feel? These questions only you can 
answer.

Envision your ideal life through four essential quadrants:

Health - Without good health, little else in life can be fully enjoyed. Imagine a life of vibrant 
well-being. What daily practices support this vision?

Relationships - What's the point of health and wealth without meaningful connections? Envision 
relationships that bring you joy and nourishment. With whom do you share your journey?

Creative Purpose - Imagine yourself engaged in work that ignites your spirit. It could be service 
to others, artistic expression, or solving critical issues of our day. What vocation allows 
you to feel fully alive?

Time and Financial Freedom - Finally, imagine having the resources—both time and money—
to enjoy it all. What does that freedom look like for you? From where you would live to the 
adventures you’d take.

Living as a Higher Order of Being

Thoreau concludes his code by suggesting we will "live with the license of a higher order of 
beings." This isn't about superiority over others—it's about meeting your highest self, the best 
version of you.

When you live deliberately, advancing confidently and endeavoring, you will evolve. The person 
who began the journey will transform into someone who embodies their highest potential—
someone who lives by different laws than those who drift through life without purpose 
or direction.

Your Continuing Journey

As we conclude this series, remember that living Thoreau's code is not a destination but a continuous 
practice. Each day offers new opportunities to:

Define success on your own terms

Advance confidently toward your dreams

Endeavor and face obstacles

Notice and cross your invisible boundaries of limitation

Ignore the peanut gallery—both external and internal

Imagine and create a life you truly love

Become the highest version of yourself, for you

Thoreau's experiment at Walden Pond lasted just over two years, but his code for living offers 
wisdom for a lifetime. May you continue to advance confidently, endeavor, and experience 
great success.

May you always live deliberately.

Lori A. Harris is an award-winning transformational coach for the extraordinary results her 
clients achieve. She hosts an annual retreat to Walden Pond, and if you’d love to join her, you 
can learn more here: waldenpondretreat.com. Lori would love to meet you!


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