Doctors warn of ‘Ozempic tongue' as users say their taste in food is transformed by the weight-loss drug
Doctors have warned it's not just Ozempic users' clothes size that could change after taking the drug, as their taste in food could also dramatically shift.
It's not just about feeling less hungry, as New York-based obesity specialist Dr Daniel Rosen told DailyMail.com he has seen avid meat eaters go off steaks, sausages and their other favorite cuts because they report a 'metallic' taste.
He has also seen the reverse, with vegetarians suddenly having a craving for meat as their taste buds change on the meds.
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Several celebrities have spoken about this bizarre side effect of weight-loss medications, including The Real Housewives Of Orange County star Emily Simpson, who said Ozempic made her feel so awful 'because nothing tastes good.'
Meanwhile, other famous faces to feel the effect of 'Ozempic tongue' include celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Terry Dubrow, who stopped taking the drug for the festive season because he wanted to enjoy the taste of food again.
And a recent study by the University of Arkansas looked at how weight-loss drugs impact peoples' food choices, and found many users reported consuming less soda, refined grains, and beef.
There were also reductions in the consumption of starchy vegetables, pork, coffee, fish and seafood, nuts, eggs, alcohol, fruit juice and dairy milk.
Meanwhile, fruits, leafy greens and water showed an overall increase in consumption. The researchers did not examine why these changes occurred, but Dr Rosen believes that the way the brain is wired has something to do with the shifting tastes.
He told DailyMail.com: 'You have to remember that taste is not just in your tongue it is also in your brain.
'We know GLP-1s lessen the dopamine hit from food, making the experience less enjoyable, which could be why tastes start to shift.
'Think of seeing a photo of a juicy burger on a menu and that first bite with the explosion of flavor in your mouth and juices dripping down to your chin.
'That is the pleasure system in the brain responding to food. If all of that is dampened or turned off in the brain because of the GLP-1 medications you can see why someone would say food tastes different or that things don't taste the same.
'Patients might say everything tastes the same, or food tastes so bland.'
Dr Rosen said some people on the medication report a metallic taste that is independent of food consumption, adding that could be another way 'Ozempic tongue' can impact daily food experience.
Lastly, he explained that Ozempic and other weight-loss medications can cause gastric emptying issues, including heartburn and reflux, due to its mechanism of slowing digestion.
Because of this, he says patients can sometimes experience the taste of stomach acid in the back of their throat known as 'water brash'.
The weight specialist adds: 'This can be unpleasant, leaving a sour taste and as a result, alter the taste and enjoyment of food.'
On Reddit, various threads feature hundreds of Ozempic users who have been blighted by 'Ozempic tongue'.
One said: 'I've noticed a much stronger sensitivity to spicy foods - I used to be able to eat "medium" heat with no issues but now even mild spice seems so strong!'
Another commenter responded: 'Same! I swear, the other day, black pepper was almost too spicy for me. I also cannot handle salty foods very well. I never add salt to my dishes and if it naturally salty, I can barely eat it anymore.'
A third said they had completely gone off candy since using the drug, explaining: 'I've been Ozempic and over time it seems like I cannot tolerate anything that is sweet.
'I completely quit soda and all I drink is water, carbonated water, and for energy it was either an energy drink or coffee. Now they both taste too sweet and like chemicals.
'Same for sweets like if I wanted to have a cheat day and eat ice cream or like a small cake slice. The only things I can handle now are popsicles, smoothies, and yogurt.'
While some people might be perturbed by their changing tastes, Dr Rosen says 'Ozempic tongue' can be beneficial as it often causes people to 'lean into healthier and lower calorie foods'.
He adds: 'Ozempic tongue is a benefit because if the goal is weight loss then consuming less calories is critical to that end.
'These medications accomplish that not just by suppressing your appetite but also by modifying your food experience and making it less rewarding.
'That becomes a trade-off, but for those who have been struggling with being overweight or obese for most of their lives it's one they are only too happy to accept.'
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