Aesthetic Skin Academy

I’M BACK FROM MY HOLIDAY! 🤗❤️

I hope you also had a wonderful holiday, enjoyed some well-deserved rest and recharged your batteries.

I’m now back from my break and available for appointments again. ❤️

To celebrate, I have prepared a special POST-SUMMER OFFER for you: “REBUILD YOUR SKIN AFTER SUMMER.” ☀️

🔥 20% OFF SELECTED SKIN-REGENERATING TREATMENTS 🔥
📅 The offer is valid until the end of September.

I have created this promotion primarily to fill the last remaining spaces in my diary, so the number of appointments available at this price is limited.

If you feel that your skin needs regeneration, hydration, improved firmness or help with pigmentation after the summer, read below to find out what you can do at home and how we can help your skin in the clinic. 👇

☀️ HOW CAN YOU REBUILD YOUR SKIN AFTER SUMMER?

After the summer, sun exposure, high temperatures, air conditioning, salt water and chlorinated water can leave your skin feeling drier, rougher, dehydrated and more sensitive. Pigmentation, fine lines and an uneven skin tone may also appear.

There is one more important thing to consider.

☀️ UV radiation accelerates skin photoageing.

It damages collagen and elastin fibres—the structures responsible for the skin’s firmness, elasticity and tightness.

That is why post-summer skincare is about more than simply “moisturising your face”.

It is about repairing the skin’s protective barrier, improving hydration, reducing pigmentation and stimulating its natural regenerative processes.

🏠 WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME?

💧 1. Repair your skin’s hydrolipid barrier

If your skin stings after cleansing, feels tight, is flaky or has suddenly become more sensitive, do not start with strong acids.

Look for skincare products containing ingredients such as:

• ceramides,
• squalane,
• hyaluronic acid,
• glycerine,
• panthenol.

Their purpose is to help the skin retain moisture and rebuild its natural protective barrier.

🍊 2. Introduce antioxidants

UV exposure increases oxidative stress, so after the summer it is worth supporting your skin with antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

They may help improve skin tone and support protection against free-radical damage.

🌙 3. Retinoids? Yes—but introduce them gradually

Retinol can support skin renewal and collagen production, but avoid introducing several powerful products at the same time.

If your skin is irritated or very dry, focus on repairing its barrier first.

☀️ 4. SPF does not end when the summer does

If you want to address pigmentation and photoageing, you should continue using sun protection after the summer.

SPF 30–50 is generally recommended, and high protection is particularly important if your skin is prone to pigmentation.

🏥 WHAT CAN WE DO IN AN AESTHETIC CLINIC?

It all depends on the concerns summer has left behind.

💦 Is your skin dry, thin and tired-looking?

You may consider treatments designed to improve skin quality and hydration, such as skin boosters, mesotherapy or appropriately selected hyaluronic acid-based products.

The purpose of these treatments does not have to be changing your facial features or adding volume.

The main goal is to improve the overall quality of your skin.

🧬 Has your skin lost firmness and elasticity?

This is where we may consider tissue biostimulators.

Their purpose is to stimulate the skin’s natural regenerative processes and support structural remodelling. Depending on the chosen product and individual indications, we can work on improving firmness, elasticity and overall skin quality.

This is a completely different approach from traditional “filling”.

✨ Have pigmentation and uneven skin tone appeared?

First, we need to identify the type of pigmentation we are dealing with.

Depending on the concern, we may use appropriately selected chemical peels, depigmenting skincare or laser technologies.

However, not every type of pigmentation is treated in the same way.

🔥 Is your skin uneven, with enlarged pores, fine lines or visible signs of photoageing?

Following a thorough assessment, we may consider more intensive skin-remodelling treatments, such as:

• microneedling,
• radiofrequency microneedling,
• fractional CO₂ laser treatment.

These treatments are not simply about delivering active ingredients to the skin.

A controlled stimulus is used to activate the skin’s repair and remodelling processes, including the production of new collagen.

❤️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE IS NO SINGLE PERFECT POST-SUMMER TREATMENT FOR EVERYONE.

One person may primarily need skin-barrier repair and hydration.

Another may be concerned about pigmentation. Someone else may notice a loss of firmness, while another person’s main concerns may be fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.

Therefore, instead of starting with the question:

“Which treatment should I have after the summer?”

It is better to ask:

“What does my skin really need right now?”

Effective skin therapy should not begin with choosing a treatment.

It should begin with an assessment of your skin’s current condition. ❤️

🔥 POST-SUMMER OFFER – 20% OFF
selected treatments from the “Rebuild Your Skin After Summer” programme.

📅 Available only until the end of September.
📩 The number of promotional appointments is limited.
📍 I would also love to welcome you to my new location in Northampton! 🤗

If you are unsure where to begin with your post-summer skin regeneration, send me a message. Together, we will select the most suitable skincare and treatment for your skin’s individual needs.

See you soon,
Joanna 🙌

P.S. ❤️ In my next post, I will tell you more about TISSUE BIOSTIMULATORS—how they differ from dermal fillers and whether they can genuinely stimulate the skin’s collagen production.

❤️ THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO A SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE…

To those who are currently undergoing tests, have been told they may have an autoimmune disease, or have just seen “ANA positive” on their blood test results and started to worry. ❤️

🩸 ANA – WHAT DOES A POSITIVE RESULT MEAN?

ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies can be present in some autoimmune diseases, including:
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
• Certain autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue, muscles or the liver

⚠️ But most importantly: a positive ANA result does NOT automatically mean that you have an autoimmune disease.

A positive ANA result can also occur in healthy people, especially at low titres. It may also be associated with certain infections, medications or other health conditions.

🔬 This is why doctors don’t look only at whether ANA is “positive”.

Other important factors include:
✔️ ANA titre, e.g. 1:80, 1:160, 1:320
✔️ ANA staining pattern
✔️ Your symptoms
✔️ Other blood test results

If clinically indicated, your doctor may recommend more specific tests, such as ENA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, SSA/Ro, SSB/La, RNP, C3 and C4.

❤️ Remember:

Positive ANA ≠ a diagnosis.

But at the same time, a negative ANA result does not rule out every autoimmune disease.

Test results always need to be considered together with your symptoms, medical history and clinical examination.

So, if you are currently going through the diagnostic process and have just seen “ANA positive” on your results — don’t immediately assume the worst. ❤️

Learning about your body isn’t meant to make you afraid. It is about understanding the signals your body is giving you and knowing when further medical investigation may be needed.

📌 This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation or individual diagnosis.

————-
P.S. ❤️ STEM CELLS – CAN THEY REALLY REGENERATE THE BODY?

❤️ AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES – WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW CAN YOU RECOGNISE THE EARLY SYMPTOMS?

We hear more and more today about Hashimoto’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

But what exactly are autoimmune diseases?

Simply put, they are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own cells and tissues as a threat and begins to attack them.

Normally, the immune system protects us from viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

In autoimmune disease, the immune system essentially makes a “mistake”.

Depending on which organ or system is affected, the symptoms can be very different.

This is one of the reasons why diagnosing an autoimmune disease can sometimes take a long time.

Early symptoms are often very non-specific and can easily be mistaken for stress, exhaustion, nutritional deficiencies, infection or hormonal changes.

🤔 Why does the immune system start attacking the body?

There is no single, simple answer.

It is usually thought to involve a combination of several factors:

🧬 genetic predisposition,
🦠 certain previous infections,
🚬 smoking,
☀️ environmental factors,
⚖️ hormonal factors,
😰 long-term stress,
💊 certain medications.

It is important to remember, however, that stress itself is not considered a direct cause of autoimmune disease. It may, however, affect how the body functions and influence the course of some conditions.

Having one of these risk factors does not, of course, mean that an autoimmune disease will develop.

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🦋 1. Hashimoto’s disease

In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which can eventually lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Early symptoms may include:

✔️ persistent fatigue,
✔️ feeling unusually cold,
✔️ dry skin,
✔️ hair loss,
✔️ constipation,
✔️ difficulty concentrating,
✔️ gradual weight gain.

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🔥 2. Graves’ disease

This condition also affects the thyroid gland, but it most commonly causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Possible symptoms include:

✔️ heart palpitations,
✔️ trembling hands,
✔️ excessive sweating,
✔️ heat intolerance,
✔️ weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite,
✔️ anxiety and irritability,
✔️ difficulty sleeping.

Some people may also develop characteristic eye symptoms.

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🦴 3. Rheumatoid arthritis – RA

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system primarily attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation.

Typical symptoms may include:

✔️ joint pain and swelling,
✔️ prolonged morning stiffness,
✔️ difficulty making a fist,
✔️ fatigue,
✔️ weakness.

Symptoms often affect both sides of the body – for example, both hands or wrists.

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🦋 4. Lupus

Lupus can affect many different organs, which is why symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.

They may include:

✔️ persistent fatigue,
✔️ joint and muscle pain,
✔️ recurrent low-grade fever or fever,
✔️ skin rashes,
✔️ sensitivity to sunlight,
✔️ mouth ulcers,
✔️ hair loss.

Some people develop the characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the face, but it does not occur in everyone with lupus.

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🧠 5. Multiple sclerosis – MS

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin and other structures within the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord.

Early symptoms may include:

✔️ vision problems,
✔️ numbness or tingling in the limbs,
✔️ altered sensation,
✔️ weakness in an arm or leg,
✔️ problems with balance and coordination,
✔️ dizziness,
✔️ persistent fatigue.

Important: these symptoms can have many other causes and, on their own, do not mean that someone has multiple sclerosis.

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🍞 6. Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten triggers an immune reaction in genetically predisposed individuals, causing damage to the small intestine.

It may cause:

✔️ bloating,
✔️ abdominal pain,
✔️ diarrhoea or constipation,
✔️ iron deficiency and anaemia,
✔️ fatigue,
✔️ weight loss,
✔️ certain skin problems.

Interestingly, not everyone with coeliac disease experiences obvious digestive symptoms.

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🩸 7. Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Early symptoms may include:

✔️ frequent urination,
✔️ excessive thirst,
✔️ weight loss,
✔️ fatigue and weakness,
✔️ blurred or worsening vision.

If these symptoms develop quickly and become more severe, urgent medical assessment is required.

🚨 Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increasing drowsiness, dehydration or rapid, deep breathing may be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis and require urgent medical attention.

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🧴 8. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is not simply a “skin problem”.

It is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with abnormal immune system activity.

It may cause:

✔️ red, scaly patches of skin,
✔️ itching,
✔️ changes to the nails,
✔️ and, in some people, joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

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🚩 What are the common early symptoms of autoimmune diseases?

This is where things become more complicated.

Many autoimmune diseases can begin with very similar symptoms:

🚩 persistent fatigue,
🚩 unexplained weakness,
🚩 muscle or joint pain,
🚩 recurrent low-grade fever,
🚩 skin problems,
🚩 hair loss,
🚩 digestive problems,
🚩 numbness or tingling,
🚩 unexplained changes in body weight,
🚩 difficulty concentrating.

This is exactly why an autoimmune disease cannot be diagnosed solely on the basis of symptoms you have read about online.

Similar symptoms can also occur with iron or other nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, infections, exhaustion, hormonal changes, perimenopause and many other conditions.

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🩺 How does a doctor investigate a possible autoimmune disease?

There is no single test that can detect all autoimmune diseases.

The diagnostic process depends primarily on your symptoms, medical history and physical examination.

A doctor may begin with basic blood tests such as:

🩸 full blood count (FBC),
🩸 CRP and/or ESR,
🩸 thyroid function tests,
🩸 iron and ferritin, vitamin B12, folate and other tests depending on your symptoms.

If the clinical picture suggests a particular autoimmune condition, more specialised tests may be requested, for example:

✔️ ANA,
✔️ ENA,
✔️ anti-dsDNA,
✔️ rheumatoid factor (RF),
✔️ anti-CCP,
✔️ thyroid antibodies,
✔️ other antibodies selected according to the suspected condition.

However, these are not tests that everyone should have routinely “just in case”. They should be selected according to the symptoms and the condition being investigated.

Sometimes ultrasound, MRI scans, neurological examinations, gastroscopy, biopsy or other investigations may also be required.

It all depends on the symptoms and which organ or body system may be affected.

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❓ Does a positive antibody test mean you have an autoimmune disease?

Not always.

This is very important.

Some antibodies can also be found in healthy people.

For this reason, a diagnosis should never be made solely on the basis of one positive laboratory result.

The whole clinical picture matters:

symptoms + medical history + physical examination + appropriately selected tests.

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💊 Can autoimmune diseases be treated?

Yes.

Many autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions, but modern medicine can effectively control many of them and reduce the risk of complications.

Depending on the specific condition, treatment may include:

💊 anti-inflammatory medication,
💊 immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive medication,
💊 biological therapies,
💊 hormones or other forms of replacement therapy.

Treatment always depends on the specific diagnosis.

The aim may be to reduce inflammation, control disease activity, protect organs and help the person maintain the best possible quality of life and everyday functioning.

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❤️ Summary

Autoimmune diseases can look very different from one person to another.

There is no single symptom that automatically means someone has an autoimmune disease.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your body.

If something appears suddenly, persists for a long time, gradually becomes worse, or several seemingly unrelated symptoms occur together, it is worth speaking to a doctor.

However, we should not diagnose ourselves based on Google or social media.

Symptoms are clues. A diagnosis is made by a doctor based on the complete clinical picture and appropriately selected investigations. ❤️

Remember – learning about your body is not meant to make you afraid.

It is about helping you recognise when it may be time to get checked.

P.S. ❤️ In my next post: ANA – what are antinuclear antibodies, when might a doctor request an ANA test, and why does a positive ANA result not always mean that you have an autoimmune disease?

This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation or individual diagnosis.

❤️ CAN YOUR SKIN WARN YOU ABOUT UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS?

On a daily basis, most of us look at our skin mainly in terms of wrinkles, pigmentation, or breakouts.

But the skin is actually the largest organ in our body.

And very often, it can be one of the first places to show that something inside the body may be worth checking.

Of course, this does not mean that every skin change is a sign of a serious illness.

But sometimes it is worth stopping for a moment and asking whether our body might be trying to tell us something.

Why can the skin reveal so much? 🤔

The skin is closely connected to the rest of the body.

It can react to hormonal changes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, internal health conditions, immune system problems, stress, sleep quality, diet, and even chronic inflammation.

That is why doctors often pay attention to the appearance of the skin during an examination.

Which signs are worth watching?

🟡 1. Yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes

This may be linked to increased bilirubin levels.

It can be associated with problems involving:

✔️ the liver,
✔️ the bile ducts,
✔️ the gallbladder.

This type of symptom should always be discussed with a doctor.

⚪ 2. Very pale skin

If you suddenly notice that your face looks unusually pale, it may be related to:

✔️ iron deficiency,
✔️ anaemia,
✔️ vitamin B12 or folate deficiency,
✔️ chronic health conditions.

It may also be accompanied by:

😴 tiredness,
😵 dizziness,
💨 shortness of breath during physical activity.

🔴 3. Facial redness and visible blood vessels

This does not always mean that you simply have sensitive or vascular skin.

It may become worse with:

☀️ sun exposure,
🍷 alcohol,
🌶️ spicy foods,
😰 stress.

In some cases, it may also be linked to rosacea or other skin conditions that may require treatment.

🟤 4. Darkened skin in body folds

If darker, velvety-looking patches appear on the neck, under the arms, or in the groin area, they may sometimes be associated with insulin resistance.

This does not automatically mean diabetes.

However, it may be a sign that it is worth having some basic tests done.

🟣 5. Bruising easily

If bruises appear without an obvious injury, there can be many possible reasons.

These may include:

✔️ vitamin C deficiency,
✔️ side effects of certain medications,
✔️ blood clotting disorders,
✔️ blood-related conditions.

It is especially worth mentioning to a doctor if bruising happens frequently or is accompanied by nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

🔵 6. Cold or bluish hands and feet

This is often linked to reduced blood flow.

However, it may also occur with:

✔️ vascular conditions,
✔️ an underactive thyroid,
✔️ Raynaud’s phenomenon.

If it happens often, it is worth discussing with your doctor.

⚫ 7. Changing moles

This is one of the most important signs to watch.

Any mole that:

✔️ grows quickly,
✔️ changes colour,
✔️ develops irregular borders,
✔️ bleeds,
✔️ becomes itchy or painful,

should be assessed by a dermatologist.

Early detection of melanoma can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

What about acne?

One of the questions I hear very often is:

“Is it hormonal?”

And the answer is…

Sometimes, yes.

But not always.

The condition of our skin can also be affected by:

🥦 diet,
😴 sleep,
😰 chronic stress,
💊 medications,
🦠 the skin microbiome,
🧬 genetics,
🚬 smoking.

That is why it is not always enough to treat only the visible symptom.

Sometimes it is worth looking deeper for the underlying cause.

Does every skin change mean illness?

Absolutely not.

And I want to make that very clear.

Most skin changes turn out to be harmless.

However, if you notice that a skin change:

🚩 appears suddenly,
🚩 grows quickly,
🚩 does not heal for several weeks,
🚩 changes colour or shape,
🚩 starts to hurt or bleed,

it should not be ignored.

Sometimes the skin can show us signs before other symptoms appear.

⸻

❤️ Summary

Skin is not just about appearance.

It is also an organ that can sometimes tell us a lot about what is happening inside the body.

Not every rash, patch of pigmentation, or area of redness means a serious health problem.

But it is worth learning to observe your body.

Sometimes a change in the skin can be the first clue that something needs attention.

Please remember that no post on the internet can replace a medical consultation or appropriate tests.

Let’s care for our skin not only because we want it to look younger.

Let’s also care for it because it can sometimes be one of the first signs of what is happening with our health. ❤️

———

P.S.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES – WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE FIRST SYMPTOMS?

❤️ WHY DOES YOUR FACE OFTEN LOOK OLDER AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?

In my previous post about weight loss injections, I promised I would explain why some people notice that their face starts to look more tired and older after losing weight.

This is a topic that is rarely discussed.

On social media, we usually only see “before and after” photos, impressive transformations, and celebrations of weight loss.

What we don’t often hear is that losing body fat also changes the appearance of our face.

And no…

This is not the “fault” of Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Mounjaro®.

It is primarily a natural consequence of significant or rapid weight loss.

Why does this happen? 🤔

Our face also contains fat tissue.

This fat gives the face:

✔️ a youthful appearance,
✔️ fuller cheeks,
✔️ softer facial contours,
✔️ natural support for the skin.

You can think of facial fat as a cushion beneath the skin.

When we lose weight quickly, the body doesn’t choose where to burn fat.

Fat is lost from the abdomen, thighs, hips… and also from the face.

The result?

The cheeks become less full, the skin appears thinner, and the face may look more tired.

What happens to the skin?

Losing fat is only part of the story.

As we age, our bodies naturally produce less:

🧬 collagen,
🧬 elastin,
🧬 hyaluronic acid.

These are the key components responsible for the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration.

If rapid weight loss occurs at the same time, the skin may not have enough time to adapt to the new facial contours.

This can lead to:

📍 loss of facial volume,
📍 more noticeable nasolabial folds,
📍 sunken cheeks,
📍 deeper tear troughs,
📍 looser skin under the chin,
📍 a more defined jawline and cheekbones.

This is why many people feel that their face looks “older,” even though their body looks slimmer and healthier.

The faster we lose weight…

…the greater the likelihood of these changes.

That doesn’t mean that rapid weight loss will always make your face look older.

Many factors influence the outcome, including:

✔️ age,
✔️ genetics,
✔️ the amount of weight lost,
✔️ the speed of weight loss,
✔️ skin quality,
✔️ adequate protein intake,
✔️ regular physical activity,
✔️ proper hydration.

Someone who loses 5 kg over several months will usually experience different changes compared with someone who loses 25–30 kg in a short period of time.

Can it be prevented?

These changes cannot be completely avoided.

However, they can often be significantly reduced.

The most important thing is to approach weight loss in a healthy and well-planned way.

What can help?

🥩 Eat enough protein to help maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair.

🏋️ Include resistance training 2–4 times per week to preserve muscle during weight loss.

💧 Stay well hydrated.

😴 Prioritise good-quality sleep and recovery.

🥦 Make sure your diet provides enough vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

☀️ Protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen (SPF) every day.

What about aesthetic treatments?

This is one of the questions I hear most often.

If, after your weight has stabilised, you are left with facial volume loss or skin laxity, there are treatments that may help improve your appearance.

Depending on your individual needs, these may include:

✨ skin biostimulators,
✨ collagen stimulators,
✨ mesotherapy,
✨ microneedling radiofrequency,
✨ fractional CO₂ laser,
✨ carefully selected hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (where appropriate).

Should we be afraid of losing weight?

Absolutely not.

The health benefits of reducing excess body weight are enormous.

❤️ Lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
❤️ Better cardiovascular health.
❤️ Lower blood pressure.
❤️ Improved mobility and physical fitness.
❤️ Better overall wellbeing.

It is simply important to understand that losing weight affects not only your body shape but also the appearance of your face.

Healthy weight loss is about much more than the number on the scales—it also means protecting your muscles, your skin, and your overall health.

❤️ Summary

Not everyone will look older after losing weight.

These changes are more likely when weight loss is very rapid or significant, especially if the body is not supported with good nutrition, resistance exercise, proper hydration, and appropriate skincare.

Remember, the goal of weight loss isn’t simply to see a lower number on the scales.

The real goal is better health, improved wellbeing, and maintaining the best possible quality of life.

—————-
P.S. ❤️

CAN YOUR SKIN WARN YOU ABOUT UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS?

SkinHealth #

💉 WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS – DO THEY REALLY WORK?

Just a few years ago, hardly anyone had heard of them. Today, almost everyone knows someone who has lost weight with the help of weight loss injections.

The media is full of dramatic transformations, but are these really the “miracle drugs” for obesity? 🤔

These are not fat-burning injections. They do not directly burn body fat. Instead, they work by reducing appetite through their effects on the brain’s hunger and satiety centres while also slowing stomach emptying. As a result, you feel full for longer, eat fewer calories, and your body gradually starts using its stored energy reserves.

📖 Where did weight loss injections come from?

The history of these medications did not begin with obesity treatment.

For many years, scientists searched for more effective treatments for Type 2 diabetes. They discovered that after eating, our intestines produce a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which:

✔️ stimulates insulin secretion,
✔️ reduces glucagon secretion,
✔️ slows stomach emptying,
✔️ signals to the brain that we are full.

The problem is that natural GLP-1 only remains active for a few minutes. Scientists therefore developed medications that mimic its effects but remain active much longer.

The first medication in this class was Byetta® (exenatide), approved in 2005 for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It was followed by:

💉 Victoza® (liraglutide)
💉 Saxenda® (liraglutide) – approved specifically for obesity treatment
💉 Ozempic® (semaglutide)
💉 Wegovy® (semaglutide)
💉 Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

During clinical trials, doctors noticed that, in addition to improving blood glucose levels, patients were also losing weight. This observation led to further research into using these medications to treat obesity.

The most commonly prescribed medications
💉 Ozempic®
Contains semaglutide and was originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. One of its effects is reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, which is why many people also experience significant weight loss.

💉 Wegovy®
Also contains semaglutide, but it has been approved specifically for obesity treatment and is generally prescribed at higher doses than Ozempic.

💉 Mounjaro®
Contains tirzepatide, which acts on two gut hormones—GLP-1 and GIP. This provides an even greater feeling of fullness for some people and may result in greater weight loss than semaglutide.

💉 What about Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is being discussed more and more frequently. It is still undergoing clinical trials and works by targeting three hormone receptors (GLP-1, GIP and glucagon). Early studies have shown remarkable weight loss results, although it is not yet widely available as an approved medication.

Why are these medications so effective?

Not because they burn fat.

Their effectiveness comes from influencing the hormones that regulate appetite.

As a result, they:

✅ reduce appetite,
✅ increase the feeling of fullness,
✅ slow stomach emptying,
✅ reduce cravings and snacking,
✅ help control blood glucose levels.

As a result, most people simply consume fewer calories.

Who are these medications for?

They are most commonly prescribed for people:

✔️ with obesity (BMI ≥30),
✔️ with overweight (BMI ≥27) when accompanied by weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Benefits

❤️ effective weight loss,
❤️ improved blood sugar control,
❤️ often lower blood pressure,
❤️ reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,
❤️ improved quality of life and health outcomes for many patients.

Common side effects

⚠️ nausea,
⚠️ vomiting,
⚠️ diarrhoea or constipation,
⚠️ heartburn,
⚠️ feeling unusually full,
⚠️ fatigue.

Some people may also experience dehydration, gallstones, gallbladder inflammation or pancreatitis. If you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration, you should seek medical advice immediately.

For most people, these symptoms gradually improve as the body adapts to the medication.

What isn’t talked about enough?

Working with clients every day, I often see people celebrating their weight loss. Unfortunately, along with body fat, many also lose valuable muscle mass.

Muscle is incredibly important. It supports your metabolism, strength, mobility and helps maintain your weight loss in the long term.

That is why, when using these medications, it is worth working with a knowledgeable healthcare professional who can guide and support you throughout the process.

A 10-minute walk alone is not enough.

🏋️ Resistance training 3–4 times per week
🥩 Adequate protein intake
💧 Proper hydration
😴 Sufficient sleep and recovery

These are the key elements that help preserve muscle during weight loss.

What happens to your skin?

The faster you lose weight, the greater the chance that your skin won’t tighten at the same pace.

In my clinic, I often notice:

🚩 loss of facial firmness,
🚩 increased neck laxity,
🚩 loss of cheek volume,
🚩 looser skin on the abdomen, arms and thighs.

It’s simply important to know what to expect and prepare your body accordingly throughout the weight loss journey.

Can you regain weight after stopping the medication?

🚩 Yes.
After stopping treatment, appetite usually returns gradually to its previous level. If healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are not maintained, body weight may increase again. In some people, it may even exceed their starting weight before treatment.

Summary
Medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Mounjaro® are currently among the most effective tools available to support obesity treatment.

The best results are achieved when medication is combined with a well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and long-term lifestyle changes.

Let’s remember that the goal is not simply to lose weight—it is to improve your health and maintain those results for years to come. 🙌

⸻

❤️ P.S.
In my next post, I’ll explain why your face can look older after weight loss—and what you can do to help protect your skin.