What to Know About 'Ozempic Feet,' the Latest GLP-1 Side Effect Gaining Attention

With anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound exploding in recognition in recent times, there’s no scarcity of chatter about stunning negative effects, similar to “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt.”

Now, stories on-line are calling out one other sudden change triggered by these medication, referred to as GLP-1s: “Ozempic ft.”

The deal with foot-related negative effects seems to stem from social media feedback speculating that doable adjustments within the look of Sharon Osbourne’s and Oprah Winfrey’s ft—proven in current pictures—are as a consequence of GLP-1 use. Whereas neither movie star has commented on the idea, docs say that the medicines can, in actual fact, alter the look of somebody’s ft.

In response to Scott Isaacs, MD, president of the American Affiliation of Medical Endocrinology, ozempic ft “is characterised by sagging pores and skin, diminished fats padding, and visual tendons or veins within the ft.”

It happens when somebody loses an excessive quantity of weight quick; these kilos are unfold out throughout the whole physique, coming not simply from the face and butt but in addition different areas, together with the ft.

“The underlying mechanism is that when fats is misplaced rapidly, the pores and skin’s pure elasticity could not be capable of sustain,” Isaacs informed Well being. That’s particularly the case if the pores and skin has been stretched for some time or if collagen and elastin ranges are diminished as a consequence of components similar to age, genetics, and the period of prior chubby standing.

When the fats in your ft—significantly beneath the heel and ball—shrinks, it could actually have disagreeable ripple results.

“The ft’s fats pads act as pure shock absorbers, and the fast lack of tissue can depart the pores and skin within the foot lax and unsupported,” stated Isaacs.

In flip, folks would possibly really feel like they’re strolling on bone, making standing and strolling painful and uncomfortable. This discomfort may trigger folks to change how they stroll, probably resulting in adjustments in gait mechanics, defined Isaacs.

In some circumstances, the adjustments can enhance the chance of creating different foot issues or exacerbate present circumstances, he stated, which may impede the power to train.

If this occurs, Karl Nadolsky, DO, a scientific endocrinologist, weight problems specialist, and scientific assistant professor of drugs at Michigan State College School of Human Medication, stated it’s time to see a podiatrist. 

“In any other case, we want sufferers working with their doctor, dietitians, and prioritizing energy coaching whereas shedding pounds and treating diabetes,” he informed Well being.

It’s additionally price noting that whereas “Ozempic ft” has introduced additional consideration to GLP-1s, Nadolsky stated, “there isn’t a cause to suppose this impact is exclusive to GLP-1 medication because it appears cheap to presumably happen with any fast and vital weight reduction.”

The phenomenon doesn’t simply have an effect on the face, butt, and ft. With fast weight reduction, the palms could present a noticeable discount in subcutaneous fats and look extra skeletal or aged—therefore, the nickname “Ozempic palms” or “Ozempic finger.”

“This happens as a result of the palms, just like the ft and face, are areas the place fats loss is rapidly seen, resulting in thinning pores and skin, lack of quantity, and extra outstanding veins and tendons,” stated Isaacs. “The mechanism is just like that seen in different physique areas: As fats is misplaced quickly, the pores and skin could not contract rapidly sufficient, revealing underlying constructions and contributing to an aged look.”