Health

The rise of ‘Ozempic neck’

he advent of weight loss drugs on the mass market have offered a lifeline for many of us unhappy with our waistlines – but there’s a new physical side-effect that’s very hard to run from, say doctors.

When the fat melts away – as drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro work their magic by suppressing appetite, those who take them exalt that the benefits are as plentiful as the food they once devoured.

There’s the raft of health pros – slimmed down souls rave about better sleep, improved mental wellness and the decreased risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

However, others will readily admit that the motivation for spending up to £250-a-month on weight loss jabs is purely vacuous – fired by the quest to look better and feel sexier.

And that’s where the latest Ozempic side-effect to emerge is particularly hard to swallow.

‘Ozempic neck’ – a twist on the traditional ‘turkey neck’, which has long been associated with the ageing process and takes its name from the crepe-like red wattle on real-life turkeys – is firmly on the rise, say experts.

It’s a weight loss jab side-effect that no moisturiser in the land can remedy, with surgery or more intense aesthetic treatments often the only option.

Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, 73, admitted that taking Ozempic left her looking physically ‘too gaunt‘.

In November 2024, the wife of late rocker Ozzy, told Howie Mandel’s podcast, she was ‘frustrated’ by what the drugs had done to her physique.

The 73-year-old said: ‘I can’t put on weight now, and I don’t know what it’s done to my metabolism, but I just can’t seem to put any on, because I think I went too far.’

‘Ozempic neck’ finds itself added to a growing list of terms that describe the often irreversible – if you remain slim – consequences of being half the person you once were.

There’s already ‘Ozempic feet’, referring to sagging or aging skin on the feet due to rapid fat loss – ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic butt’, both caused by dramatic reductions in body fat.

Ozempic and other alternatives like Mounjaro and Wegovy are all different brand names for the drug semaglutide that mimics the the actions of GLP-1 – a hormone in the brain that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness.

Weekly doses of these blockbuster weight loss medicines can help people shed 15 to 20 per cent of their body weight on average.

While the physical side effects while taking such drugs have been well documented – ranging from nausea to bloating and constipation, there’s an increasing school of thought that such rapid weight-loss will definitely take off the pounds – but it can also pile on the years.

Like the face, the neck is one of the most visible parts of the human body, and is amongst the first place that ageing is obvious.

Why is the nape and under the jaw so vulnerable to being negatively transformed by weight-loss?

Aesthetic doctor, Dr Emma Goulding, who runs her own clinic in Cheshire, explains, telling the Daily Mail: ‘The neck has much thinner skin, less oil production and less underlying support than the face, so when fat is lost quickly, especially in midlife and beyond, the skin often can’t bounce back as smoothly.

‘Ozempic neck is really the skin reacting to rapid weight loss combined with age, which causes reduced elasticity.

‘That’s when fine lines, creasing and laxity start to show.’

Which other celebrities have struggled with the cosmetic downsides?

Robbie Williams revealed he lost 25lbs – nearly 2 stone – using weight-loss drugs but some fans were left concerned by the Take That star’s ‘skinny’ appearance in his 2023 Netflix series.

While Ozempic neck is much more likely in older patients, some cosmetic doctors say they’re also seeing requests to remedy sagging neck skin in much younger patients.

Consultant plastic surgeon Mr Paul Tulley says a ‘growing number of patients in their 20s Many now view early treatment as a preventative approach rather than waiting until signs become more pronounced. The openness of celebrities and influencers discussing their own treatments has helped remove a lot of the previous stigma.’

For some, if it’s been a major amount of weight lost, their neck is likely to look different to the way it has for their entire adult life.

Says Dr Victoria Manning, Cosmetic Doctor at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic: ‘What’s particularly interesting is that many people are discovering they actually have necks – not just “fnecks” where the face morphs directly into the neck.

‘When you lose significant weight, suddenly there’s definition where there wasn’t before, but along with that comes loose, crepey skin that people weren’t prepared for.

and 30s are becoming increasingly concerned about the appearance of their neck.’

The neck has become one of the most challenging areas to treat because the skin there is so delicate and prone to laxity.’

So, if surgery or cosmetic ‘tweakments’ are the only way to rid yourself of ‘Ozempic neck’, where should you begin?

Dr Emma Goulding says: ‘The good news is that treatments which stimulate collagen, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound skin tightening and injectable bio stimulators, can significantly improve firmness and texture.

‘The best results tend to come from starting early and taking a gradual, medically guided approach.’

Is prevention better than cure?

It’s not quite as straightforward as that, explains Dr Ed Robinson, who runs a Harley Street aesthetic clinic, but he advises there are definitely steps you can take while your weight-loss journey is happening.

He tells the Daily Mail: ‘Aim for slower, steadier change where appropriate. If weight loss is very rapid, skin contraction often lags behind. A slower trajectory can sometimes be kinder to the neck.’

Dr Robinson says having a conversation with whoever’s prescribing your weight loss drugs about how often you take the drugs could help.

‘And consider your lifestyle factors, prioritising dietary proteins as this supports lean mass and skin building blocks.

‘Resistance training also helps to preserve muscle mass, which reduces the “deflated” look overall. Make sure to apply daily SPF 50 on the neck – most people miss this area!’

Daily Mail

Health

This Is the Age When You’re Most Physically Fit

Researchers have pinpointed the age when people reach their peak physical fitness.

In an exhaustive 47-year study, researchers followed 427 people from ages 16 to 63, regularly measuring their height and weight, and testing their fitness by evaluating endurance on a stationary bicycle and the weight they could bench press.

They found that age 35 is the time of peak physical performance for both men and women, according to the study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. “There is no sex difference in decline with age,” researchers found. They also said that while physical decline is inevitable, active people experience a slower decline.

And the earlier you start moving, the better: “Individuals who were physically active in their leisure time at age 16 maintained higher aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and muscle power throughout the observation period,” the study says.

“This emphasizes the importance of early intervention to establish positive exercise habits in adolescence and early adulthood, as these patterns appear to have long-term benefits for physical function.”

But it doesn’t mean that once you’re 36, it’s all over: “It is never too late to start moving. Our study shows that physical activity can slow the decline in performance, even if it cannot completely stop it,” Maria Westerståhl, lecturer at the Department of Laboratory Medicine and lead author of the study, said in a press release from Karolinska Institutet.

“Now we will look for the mechanisms behind why everyone reaches their peak performance at age 35 and why physical activity can slow performance loss but not completely halt it,” she said, adding that the next step will be to evaluate the subjects when they are 68.

People magazine

Health

Dubai Hernia Summit Concludes Its Second Edition with the First-Ever Inclusion of Diastasis Recti Congress

International experts highlight the shift from cosmetic perception to clinical reality in abdominal wall reconstruction

Dubai, February 6, 2026

The Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS) successfully concluded its second edition in Dubai, marking a significant milestone with the first-ever inclusion of a dedicated International Congress for Diastasis Recti as part of this year’s scientific programme. The summit was held in collaboration with American Hospital Dubai and brought together a distinguished group of international surgeons and medical experts specialising in abdominal wall surgery.

The second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit took place from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, further strengthening the event’s position as a regional and international platform for advanced hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction.

A key highlight of this year’s summit was the introduction of Diastasis Recti as a dedicated scientific track for the first time, addressing a condition that is often misunderstood as purely cosmetic. Diastasis recti—the structural separation of the rectus abdominis muscles—is a clinically significant condition that can affect core stability, physical function, posture, and long-term quality of life.

Expanded Scientific Programme

The scientific agenda featured advanced educational tracks, including the Diastasis Recti Masterclass, ETEP Universe, and Advanced Sessions, focusing on evidence-based practice, modern surgical techniques, and functional abdominal wall reconstruction.

The programme welcomed internationally recognised speakers, including Marco Correa, Rodrigo Galhego, Paulo Michels, Luciano Tracia, and Mario Cherubino, who shared global expertise and presented advanced approaches to complex abdominal wall and diastasis recti reconstruction.

Scientific Leadership and Acknowledgements

Dr Hatem Moussa, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Dubai Hernia Summit and Head of the Department of Surgery at American Hospital Dubai, said the successful conclusion of the second edition reflects the summit’s growing scientific impact and international relevance.

“The Dubai Hernia Summit continues to evolve, and the inclusion of Diastasis Recti for the first time this year represents an important step forward in addressing conditions that require proper clinical recognition and specialised surgical management,” Dr Moussa said.

He added:

“I would like to sincerely thank all the physicians and international experts who contributed to the scientific success of this edition. I also extend my appreciation to American Hospital Dubai and Mr Sherif Beshara for their continued support, commitment to advancing healthcare standards, and their key role in the successful delivery of this year’s summit.”

Advancing Abdominal Wall Surgery

The summit placed strong emphasis on robotic-assisted and advanced minimally invasive surgery, positioning the second edition of DHS as a leading platform for showcasing innovation in hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction. Specialised workshops provided participants with practical exposure to the latest surgical technologies and techniques.

The event was supported by American Hospital Dubai, alongside leading global medical technology companies including Medtronic, Intuitive, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Johnson & Johnson, and Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR).

Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Role

The successful conclusion of the second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit, and the first-time inclusion of the Diastasis Recti Congress, further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global destination for specialised medical conferences, advanced surgical education, and innovation-driven healthcare collaboration.

For more information :
Website: www.dubaihernia.com
Email: info@dubaihernia.com

About Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS)

The Dubai Hernia Summit is a leading medical platform dedicated to clinical excellence in hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. By uniting a global faculty of surgical pioneers and technology leaders, DHS facilitates high-level scientific exchange and the responsible adoption of advanced surgical technologies to improve patient outcomes internationally.

For media contact

Mourad Alsayed
Mobile: +071588144155
Murad.mustafa@awarenessupr.com

Health

A Major Advance in Complex Spinal Surgery: Saudi German Hospital Dubai Ends 30 Years of Suffering for Scoliosis Patient

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Spinal Center at Saudi German Hospital Dubai has achieved a significant medical milestone in complex spinal care, successfully performing a highly advanced spinal deformity correction on a patient who had lived with severe, neglected scoliosis for more than three decades.

The condition, which developed during childhood, had progressively evolved into a rigid structural deformity of the spine, resulting in chronic pain, restricted mobility, and long-term physical limitations that profoundly affected the patient’s quality of life.

A Surgical Challenge Requiring Advanced Expertise

This case extended well beyond conventional corrective procedures. Decades of progression had caused the spinal curvature to become structurally rigid, placing the condition among the most technically demanding scenarios in spinal surgery. Such cases require exceptional surgical expertise, meticulous planning, and strict adherence to internationally recognized standards of care.

Led by Professor Hazem Farid, Consultant Spine Surgeon, the multidisciplinary team implemented an advanced surgical protocol aimed at releasing the rigid deformity and restoring the body’s natural axial alignment while minimizing neurological risk.

Precision Techniques and Advanced Safety Measures

The three-and-a-half-hour procedure employed spinal osteotomy, a specialized technique used to reshape and realign solidified vertebrae with high precision. To safeguard neurological function, the surgical team utilized state-of-the-art intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), providing continuous, real-time assessment of nerve signals throughout the procedure and ensuring the highest standards of surgical safety.

A Transformative Outcome

The results were evident within hours of surgery. The patient was able to stand with a corrected posture and walk independently, marking the end of a prolonged period of pain and physical restriction. Beyond the physical correction, the successful outcome also delivered a profound psychological benefit, restoring confidence, mobility, and independence.

Advancing Specialized Spine Care in the Region

This achievement highlights the advanced capabilities of Saudi German Hospital Dubai in managing complex spinal conditions and reinforces its role as a regional reference center for high-complexity specialty surgeries. By combining specialized expertise with cutting-edge surgical technology, the hospital continues to contribute to Dubai’s growing reputation as a leading destination for advanced and sophisticated healthcare.