Moving from the sunny, active shores of Bondi Beach to the busy streets of South Yarra four months ago brought a lot of changes—some expected, some surprising.
Among them, a few extra kilos crept on. Not a dramatic shift—I can still fit into my Henne jeans—but enough to notice.
Gone are the long coastal walks; in their place are indulgent dinners with new friends in Melbourne, paired with harsh winter weather that seems to invite comfort food.
And yes, I’ve thought about joining the latest local trend: injectable weight-loss and anti-ageing treatments.
Everywhere I turn, women seem to be “getting on the jab” before summer hits.
The Melbourne Injection Craze
From Toorak to Brighton, Mounjaro and Ozempic pens are everywhere, even more visible than the latest celebrity haircut.
Women aren’t sneaking into bathrooms to freshen up—they’re slipping into cubicles to inject their thighs.
But these treatments aren’t just about weight loss anymore; the new obsession is anti-ageing.
If there were a true fountain of youth, I’d be first in line. But the reality is complicated.
What the Drugs Actually Do
Mounjaro, also known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics a hormone that controls blood sugar, reduces appetite, and lowers inflammation—benefits that can reduce risks of heart disease, strokes, and dementia.
In medical terms, it may help “slow ageing.” But cosmetic rejuvenation? Not so much.
Despite the marketing buzz, faces tell the story.
Women who were once vibrant and glowing—thanks to skincare, Botox, and laser treatments—are showing hollowed cheeks, sagging jawlines, and the so-called “Ozempic face.”
Even celebrities like Sharon Osbourne appear older since starting these injections.
The Hidden Cost of Chasing Youth
Many of my Melbourne friends have joined WhatsApp groups sharing tips on obtaining these treatments, often while already very slim.
Some even believe the injections will make them look younger.
But my personal observation tells a different story: rapid weight loss in the face doesn’t equal rejuvenation.
Friends who tried Mounjaro for months ended up looking gaunter, exhausted, and years older than before.
Cosmetic surgeons report a surge in requests for fillers and other “tweakments” to correct the unintended hollowing effect of these drugs.
The message is clear: if your goal is true anti-ageing, these injections are not a shortcut.
A Tale of Two Cities
Interestingly, this trend is booming in Melbourne, yet far less visible in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
There, women still commit to Pilates, ice baths, and sunrise workouts—investing sweat and effort rather than seeking quick fixes.
The result? Toned bodies and glowing faces without relying on injections.
In Melbourne, the preference seems to be the shortcut to youth, aligning with a more social and relaxed lifestyle. Gym mornings give way to brunches, bar outings, and coffee meetups, with little time for physical effort.
The Verdict: Wrinkles Over Hollow Faces
I’m all for choices. If a treatment works and gives the results promised, why not try it?
But what I see around me in Melbourne is different: beautiful women, once vibrant, now looking hollowed, tired, and older than their years.
For me, I’ll take my wrinkles and a face that reflects life and health over a hollowed “shortcut to youth.”
Effort, movement, and self-care—not injections—remain the true path to glowing vitality in my book.