Gemma Collins, the 44-year-old British reality TV star, has recently opened up about her experiences with the weight loss medication Mounjaro, revealing the unexpected side effects she's faced since starting the treatment. Known for her candidness regarding body image and health, Collins shared her journey on Instagram, where she expressed her shock at the drastic changes to her appearance following her weight loss.
In January 2025, Collins began using Mounjaro, a drug originally designed for individuals with type two diabetes but increasingly adopted by celebrities for weight management. Since starting the medication, she has lost two stone (approximately 12.7 kg) and claims to feel 'a million dollars.' However, along with her weight loss, she has noticed that she looks significantly older, a sentiment she conveyed in an Instagram post, stating, "I really don't know what's happened to me. It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments.”
Collins further commented on the phenomenon known as "Ozempic face," a term used to describe facial changes that can occur after significant weight loss associated with medications like Mounjaro and its more famous counterpart, Ozempic. "I sure haven't got ‘Ozempic face’ yet, but it would be the dream right now," she remarked, indicating her desire for a more youthful appearance.
Experts, including New York-based plastic surgeon Dr. Oren Tepper, have noted that the increase in cases of "Ozempic face" is not surprising. Dr. Tepper explained, "When it comes to facial ageing, fat is typically more friend than foe. Weight loss may turn back your biological age, but it tends to turn your facial clock forward." He added that while fillers could help restore some volume, they may not be sufficient after significant weight loss, and surgery might be the only option for some individuals.
Collins, who has always had a fuller face, expressed her desire to maintain a natural look despite the changes. "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,” she said.
In addition to her concerns about appearance, Collins has also discussed the broader implications of using Mounjaro. She believes that by losing weight and improving her health, she is contributing to the NHS by reducing the risk of obesity-related illnesses. "I think I'm actually saving the NHS. I won’t be going to the NHS with an obesity-related illness so I won’t be putting any strain on it. I’m loving life, honey,” she stated.
Despite the challenges, Collins remains optimistic about her weight loss journey. She described her approach as slow and steady, emphasizing that she is not feeling pressured to lose weight quickly. "I want to lose another 2 stone, this time I've done it super, super slow and I've not put any pressure on myself," she explained.
Collins has also shared her experiences with the side effects of Mounjaro, which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and hair loss, among others. According to Superdrug Online Doctor, these symptoms can vary from person to person, and it is often recommended to start with micro-doses to gauge individual tolerance.
While Collins has embraced her weight loss and the confidence it brings, she has not shied away from discussing the potential downsides. She admits that the changes to her face have left her feeling uneasy. "I've always had a fuller face, as you know. But this just isn't right. What has happened?"
Beyond her weight loss journey, Collins has been enjoying life with her fiancé Rami Hawash and his son, Tristan. The couple, who have been engaged since 2021, have been focusing on family life, and Collins has expressed her love for spending time in the countryside. "I'm obsessed with the Cotswolds. I’m really loving going there at the minute. I’m really lucky that we live in the countryside and when the weather is good it’s lovely," she shared.
As she navigates her new lifestyle, Collins is also involved in a campaign with Archers, a peach schnapps brand, where she acts as the 'head travel agent' for a new AI travel agency tool aimed at helping young people plan quick getaways. She reflects on her own experiences with spontaneous travel, recounting a time she flew to Mykonos for just 24 hours, saying, "Only the GC could fly into Mykonos for 24 hours!"
Overall, Collins' journey with Mounjaro has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. While she celebrates her weight loss and newfound confidence, she also grapples with the unexpected side effects and the reality of aging. As she continues to share her story, her openness about the complexities of weight loss and health may resonate with many who are navigating similar paths.
