What is “ozempic feet” and how can you avoid it?

The rapid weight loss of GLP-1 can offer changes of appearance in unexpected places.

“Ozempic Feet” is the most recent side effect to trigger a conversation, and it is characterized by venous, wrinkled or sagged feet.

What causes ozempic feet?

The ozempic face, referring to the skin sagged in the face from ozempic use, is one of the potential side effects of rapid weight loss. Now, some users of GLP-1 say they also notice themselves in the feet.

The fat in the face, the hands and the feet is structurally different from the deeper fat in the abdomen or the thighs. It is present in thinner layers and often serves roles of cushioning or contours, said Marschall S. Runge, MD, PHD, Executive Vice-President of Medical and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Michigan.

“Unlike visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs, this peripheral fat is lost faster and visibly, often leading to a hollow or sagged appearance,” said Runge to very well.

The skin on the hands and feet – especially in people with collagen and reduced elastin due to aging, genetics or exposure to the sun – less time to gradually contract after weight loss, added Runge.

The foot contains natural fat pads which act as shock absorbers integrated into the heel and the ball of the foot. When this cushion thinks, bones, tendons and veins can become more visible and sag in a strange way.

Should you worry about ozempic feet?

Not everyone will take a GLP-1 will have ozempic feet. It depends on the speed and amount of weight you lose and the amount of collagen and elastin in your skin.

If you notice a change in your feet, it is more an aesthetic change than a medical emergency. However, less padding under the foot can cause discomfort when walking or position for an extended period. For the elderly or runners, this could slightly change their approach or create a little joint stress.

Muscle and fat loss can also lead to weakness and reduction in cushioning which can cause problems such as irritation, corns or even ulcers on the feet, said Kelly John, DPM, MHA, podiatric doctor certified by the board of directors and assistant professor at the College of Podiatric Medicine and surgery of the monks’ university.

However, overall weight loss can reduce stress on the feet and facilitate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and joint pain, she added.

Can you avoid ozempic feet?

To reduce discomfort and support the overall health of the body during the treatment of weight loss, the realization of hydration, prioritization of protein intake and the addition of force formation to your routine could help reduce muscle loss and prevent your feet changes, John said.

However, she added that there is no data published on the loss of soft tissues in the feet of weight loss drugs, and other research is necessary.

Significant loss of soft tissues can change the size of your foot, so it is essential to have your shoe size checked after weight loss, Johns said. A podiatrist should also check the nerve lesions, especially if you use GLP-1 ozempic or other to manage diabetes.