"The Anxiety Cast by 'Slimming Injections' on Sex and Body Image - Could the Unexpected Side Effects of Fat Injections Make You Look Older?"

The Era When "The Last Place You Want to Lose Weight" Is Slimming Down

Currently, the world is experiencing a boom in "weight loss injections" with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Originally developed as treatments for type 2 diabetes, these so-called "fat jabs" are in high demand for cosmetic purposes due to their ability to suppress appetite and cause significant weight loss in a short period.The Sun

However, what The Sun reported was a rather delicate "side effect" occurring in the shadow of these glamorous success stories. The article's headline reads, "The ‘deflating’ new horror side effect"—there are increasing reports of people losing weight in "that part" where they least want to slim down.The Sun

Among women, a slang term has emerged: "Ozempic vulva." Experiences of the vulva deflating, skin appearing wrinkled, and pain when sitting or cycling have been shared in communities like Reddit.The Sun

On the male side, there are memes sarcastically referring to the phenomenon where the penis appears "larger" due to reduced abdominal fat as "Ozempic penis" or "Ozemd*ck." However, doctors calmly point out that this is merely a visual change.The Sun

What is actually happening inside the body

Experts like Dr. Nikki Ramskill, a British female doctor interviewed by The Sun, explain that "the drug itself is not directly attacking the vulva or penis." GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and slow gastric movement, reducing total calorie intake and leading to overall body fat loss.The Scottish Sun

The issue isthat humans cannot control where the fat is lost. As seen with terms like "Ozempic face" when fat is lost from the face or "Ozempic butt" when lost from the buttocks, if subcutaneous fat around the vulva or penis suddenly decreases, they too will deflate without exception.The Scottish Sun

• In women, the fat in the mons pubis and labia majora acts as a cushion

• When this area thins rapidly, the labia may appear more prominent, and the skin may look wrinkled

• Pressure is directly transmitted to the pelvic area when sitting or cycling, making pain and discomfort more likely

Furthermore, rapid weight loss and insufficient calorie and fat intake can affect hormone balance, including estrogen, potentially leading to vaginal and vulvar dryness, changes in secretions, and menstrual cycle irregularities, as noted by gynecologists.The Sun

In men, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and excessive stress can lead to decreased testosterone levels, reduced libido, and changes in erectile function. However, from an overall healthcare perspective, improving obesity and type 2 diabetes often contributes to improved erectile function.The Sun

In other words, both "Ozempic vulva" and "Ozempic penis" are likely the result of body and hormonal changes caused by rapid weight loss, manifesting in particularly delicate areas.

Medically, it is not a "new disease"

The official SNS of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) has posted under the title "‘Ozempic vulva’—Social trend or clinical concern?" While posts linking GLP-1 medications to changes in the vulva are going viral, it has been confirmed that it is not yet an official medical term or diagnosis.Facebook

In fact,the phenomenon of skin sagging or deflating after significant weight loss has long been known in the world of non-drug dieting and weight loss surgery. When weight drops suddenly, the skin and connective tissues cannot keep up, and sagging becomes noticeable. The vulva is no exception.The Scottish Sun

In other words, while GLP-1 injections are new medications, the mechanism of a "deflating body" is not new at all. It can be seen as a phenomenon that has finally come to the attention of many people due to the catchy labels on social media.

How is social media reacting?

So, how are people reacting to this news? Looking at overseas social media, it seems to be divided into three main types of reactions.

1. Serious concerns and real experiences

On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), posts from people who are actually using GLP-1 medications include the following:The Sun+1

• "I've lost over 20 kilograms, but my vulva hurts when I ride a bike, so I went to a gynecologist. They said the fat pad is almost gone."

• "I've been experiencing dryness around the vagina since using Ozempic. Is this a side effect too?"

• "I'm happy to be slimmer, but I feel like I look 'older,' and it's tough."

Such real voices are evoking empathy and anxiety among users more than viral news. Especially emphasized is the point that, even when consulting medical professionals, they are often told "it's not a serious issue," but for the individuals, it is a serious concern directly affecting their sexual life and self-image.

2. Anger at "just consuming women's bodies again"

On the other hand, there is noticeable backlash against the term "Ozempic vulva" itself. In communities of people with eating disorders, there is criticism that it reinforces a misogynistic view that evaluates women's vulvas as "right or wrong shapes."Reddit

"Ultimately, any appearance of the vulva should be fine as long as it's healthy. By labeling it as 'deflated' or 'aged,' a new complex is being created."

Such posts receive many "likes," with comments like "Don't make a spectacle of women's bodies" and "The slimming business and cosmetic medicine are just fueling anxiety."

3. Memeification and consumption as "jokes"

The third reaction is the memeification of the term, with users finding humor in its impact. On Reddit's subreddit "oddlyspecific," some users joke about wanting to name a band "Ozempic vulva."Reddit

Additionally, there are many posts juxtaposing "Ozempic penis" as a joke about body changes in both genders. While this light-hearted approach can sometimes be a relief, it can also hurt those involved, highlighting the unique temperature gap of social media.

The Gradually Increasing Option of "Labia Puffing"

Among those who wish to "restore" their slimmed-down vulva, some turn to cosmetic medicine. According to Australian reports, inquiries about "labia puffing," which involves fat grafting or filler injections to plump up the labia majora, are increasing with the spread of GLP-1 medications. Herald Sun

However, experts express concern about this trend. The vulva is an area rich in nerves and blood vessels, and the risks of the procedure include

• infection and slow wound healing

• changes in sensation (numbness or pain)

• aesthetic issues like asymmetry

There is also an ethical debate about whether the advertising expression "returning to the 'original shape'" denies the diverse ways vulvas can be and commercially exploits women's anxieties.Herald Sun

In the flood of information, what should we rely on?

If you are using GLP-1 injections and are concerned about changes in your vulva or sexual function, what should you do? Here, we summarize the points commonly raised by experts in various countries (Note: The following is general information, and specific diagnoses or treatments should always be discussed with a doctor).

1. Don't dismiss changes as "just your imagination"

   • If you notice symptoms such as pain, dryness, bleeding, abnormal secretions, or discomfort during intercourse, take notes and consult a gynecologist, urologist, or sexual function clinic as soon as possible.The Sun

2. Check hormone and nutritional status

   • Excessive calorie restriction or fat-free diets can disrupt hormone balance and worsen skin and mucous membrane dryness. Under medical guidance, it is recommended to consume enough protein and "good fats."The Sun

3. Utilize moisturizing care and topical agents

   • Unscented moisturizers, lubricating gels, and, if necessary, local estrogen therapy can help alleviate dryness symptoms. However, over-the-counter products for delicate zone care can also be irritating, so avoid using strong ingredients based on self-judgment.The Sun##HTML_TAG_433