When comedian Greg Davies reflects on his time using GLP-1 receptor agonists—the class of medications that includes the household name Ozempic—the results are a paradox of success and dissatisfaction. While the Taskmaster star successfully shed three stone, the physical and psychological toll left him uneasy. In a candid interview with The Times, Davies admitted that while the weight vanished, the mirror told a different story: “I didn’t really like it, it made me a bit gaunt,” he confessed.
Davies’ experience highlights a growing tension in the public conversation surrounding these “miracle” weight-loss drugs. For many, the rapid transformation is the primary goal, but for others, the aesthetic and systemic side effects create a sobering reality. As a physician, I have seen this “gaunt” appearance—often colloquially termed “Ozempic face”—become a frequent point of concern in clinical settings. It is the result of rapid loss of subcutaneous fat in the face, which can lead to a hollowed-out look and premature skin sagging, regardless of the patient’s starting weight.
The allure of these medications has expanded far beyond their original clinical intent. Initially developed and licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes, drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have seen a meteoric rise in “off-label” use for weight management. This trend has been amplified by high-profile endorsements and admissions from celebrities including Meghan Trainor, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams, and Jeremy Clarkson, turning a medical breakthrough into a cultural phenomenon.
The Biology of Satiety: How GLP-1s Rewrite Hunger
To understand why Davies felt “gaunt” or why some users experience sudden gastrointestinal distress, it is helpful to look at the biological machinery at play. A recent viral simulation by animator Zack D. Films has brought the internal process to a visceral, if somewhat graphic, light. The animation illustrates the drug’s dual-action approach to weight loss: first, by targeting the brain, and second, by altering the digestive tract.
Once these medications enter the bloodstream, they mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. This signals the hypothalamus—the brain’s appetite control center—to increase feelings of fullness and suppress hunger. Simultaneously, the medication stabilizes blood sugar levels, which eliminates the sudden “crashes” that typically trigger intense cravings for high-calorie foods.
However, the most physical change occurs in the stomach. GLP-1 agonists slow down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer. While this keeps the user feeling full for hours after a small meal, it is also the root of the most common side effects. When food lingers too long, it can lead to nausea, bloating, and in some cases, the severe diarrhea depicted in the Zack D. Films simulation—a detail that viewers found “shocking” and “visceral.”
The Struggle of Maintenance and Weight Regain
Perhaps the most sobering aspect of Greg Davies’ account is what happened after he stopped the medication. Davies noted that he regained approximately half of the weight he had lost. This is not an anomaly; it is a documented clinical trend. Because GLP-1 medications manage the biological drivers of hunger rather than “curing” obesity, the appetite often returns—sometimes with intensity—once the chemical support is removed.
Interestingly, Davies claims a lasting impact on his eating habits, stating, “My appetite’s never gone back to the way it was. I can’t ram things in the way I used to.” While some users report a permanent shift in their relationship with food, clinical data suggests that for the majority, long-term weight maintenance requires either a lifelong commitment to the medication or a rigorous, sustainable transition to lifestyle interventions.
The following table provides a brief comparison of the most commonly discussed medications in this class:
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Primary FDA/EMA Approval | Key Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Chronic Weight Management | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes | GLP-1 & GIP Receptor Agonist |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Chronic Weight Management | GLP-1 & GIP Receptor Agonist |
Balancing the Scale: Medical Utility vs. Aesthetic Use
The conversation around Ozempic often oscillates between two extremes: viewing it as a dangerous fad or a universal cure for obesity. The reality, as Davies’ experience suggests, lies in the middle. For patients with severe obesity or type 2 diabetes, the metabolic benefits—including reduced risk of cardiovascular events and improved glycemic control—far outweigh the risk of looking “gaunt” or experiencing nausea.
However, the “off-label” surge for cosmetic weight loss introduces risks that are often glossed over in celebrity testimonials. Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle wasting (sarcopenia) if protein intake and resistance training are not prioritized. This muscle loss contributes to the frail appearance Davies described and can paradoxically slow the metabolism, making weight regain more likely after cessation.
the gastrointestinal side effects, while often transient, can be severe. In rare cases, GLP-1 agonists have been linked to gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and pancreatitis, emphasizing why these drugs require strict medical supervision and are not suitable for everyone.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
As the medical community continues to gather long-term data, the focus is shifting toward “exit strategies”—how to help patients transition off these medications without regaining the weight. The next major milestone in this research will be the release of long-term follow-up data from the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) clinical trials, which will provide more definitive answers on the permanence of weight loss and the long-term impact on metabolic health.
Do you think the benefits of GLP-1 medications outweigh the potential side effects? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article with someone navigating these treatment options.
