For quite some time now, people have been worried about Ozempic face—when, due to rapid weight loss, the skin on your face starts to sag. Well now, there’s a new concern in town--"Ozempic feet!" But what is this GLP-1 side effect? And how can you prevent or treat the issue if you’re taking semaglutide for weight loss? Keep reading to find out!
What are Ozempic Feet?
Ozempic feet have experienced a rapid loss of their natural fat padding. Of course, if you started taking weight-loss medication, you probably were more focused on fat loss in typical trouble spots like the abdomen and thighs. Unfortunately, the fat in your feet—and your face—will also start to shrink when you take these medications. And because the fat in your feet is peripheral, its loss happens at a faster pace, causing changes to become visible well before you experience the visceral fat loss you were likely hoping to achieve.
Does Ozempic Cause Foot Problems? ![feet with prominent veins could be Ozempic feet]()
Taking Ozempic does not directly cause foot problems, however certain effects of the medication may impact your foot health. You see, the fat in your feet actually serves an important job—it provides them with natural cushioning for your heels and the balls of your feet, helping absorb the shock of walking, running and jumping. As such, losing this fat can lead to increased foot pain, especially if you’ve been standing or walking for long periods of time.
Moreover, you may develop foot irritations more frequently, and corns and calluses may be more likely to develop. If you have diabetes, your ulcer risk may be increased. Plus, there are cosmetic concerns associated with Ozempic feet.
When you rapidly lose fat, your skin does not have enough time to shrink along with those deposits. That’s especially true if you’re a little older, or if you have less collagen due to your genetics or time spent in the sun. As such, the skin on your feet may appear saggy; the veins may also appear to be more prominent. And it is these physical symptoms that most people are describing when they talk about Ozempic feet.
Should You Be Worried About Ozempic Feet?
For the most part, this is a cosmetic concern. And weight loss can actually help resolve some of your foot pain by taking pressure off of their bones, tendons and ligaments. However, because loss of your foot’s natural fat padding doesn’t look great—and it increases your risk for certain painful conditions—we prefer to help our patients avoid developing Ozempic feet in the first place.
Can You Avoid Ozempic Feet?
While there are no guarantees, there are certain measures you can take while on GLP-1 medication to reduce visible skin sagging on your feet. First, focusing on nutrition will be vital. Since semaglutide and other weight-loss medications reduce your appetite, it’s important to ensure that what you do consume is packed with what your body needs to stay strong and healthy.
One key ingredient is protein, since it supports lean muscle mass. Since you may not be eating enough food to support your body’s protein requirements, you may consider adding a supplement such as creatine HCL. Aim to take in at least 1 protein gram per kilogram of your own body weight each day. (Note that the total daily amount will decrease along with your weight.)
In addition to your protein intake, strength and resistance training can help build muscle and may reduce some of the skin sagging associated with rapid weight loss. Still, if you develop Ozempic feet, we can help you manage this condition to prevent painful side effects. Just contact the office and ask us about our fat pad restoration treatments. When you come into the office, we can also discuss the other ways in which your feet may be impacted if semaglutide is part of your weight loss journey.
Does Semaglutide Cause Foot Swelling?
Yes, leg, foot and ankle swelling have been reported as possible side effects of this class of medication. Now, when you aren’t taking weight loss medication, mild foot swelling throughout your day is a very normal and manageable symptom. However, because swelling associated with Ozempic could be a sign of more serious medical complications, it’s crucial to immediately discuss this concern with Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider or with another trusted healthcare provider.
Can Ozempic Cause Neuropathy?
Recently, this Danish study found that taking Ozempic increases your risk for a rare form of neuropathy affecting your optic nerve that could leave you with severe and permanent vision loss. However, the medication does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for peripheral neuropathy. In fact, because semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat diabetes, a condition that’s commonly linked to peripheral neuropathy development, taking your medication as prescribed could help prevent loss of sensation in your feet.
Weight Loss and Foot Health
Carrying excess weight puts lots of pressure on your feet and ankles. In fact, obesity is often associated with foot pain, as well as many other health concerns. As such, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight could help improve your overall well-being, while resolving the aches and pains that have plagued your feet for what feels like forever.
Now, while obesity can take a toll on your health, you should always make informed decisions before beginning any new medications. So, if you are thinking about taking Ozempic or any form of semaglutide, carefully review your complete medical history with a trusted healthcare provider before starting a new prescription.
Finding Help for Painful or Unsightly Ozempic Feet
If rapid weight loss has negatively impacted the way your feet look or feel, we are here to help. We know that you want to get out there and show off your new, slimmer figure. But that’s hard to do if your feet are in pain. (Or if they look too strange to be seen in public.) Want to restore their former appearance? Or simply get rid of any pain you’re now experiencing? Just reach out to our office to request an appointment. Together, we’ll come up with a plan to ensure that your feet look and feel as great as the rest of your body!
