‘Ozempic Feet:’ What Causes This Unusual GLP-1 Side Effect?

• “Ozempic ft” is the most recent anecdotal aspect impact of GLP-1 medication for weight reduction.
• The weird phenomenon is a results of speedy weight reduction, which can trigger foot ache, adjustments in shoe dimension, and a extra bony look in the ft.
• “Ozempic ft” isn’t listed as a standard aspect impact of Ozempic, Wegovy, or different GLP-1 medication.

These results are sometimes attributed to the speedy weight reduction that comes with GLP-1 use, with the most recent aspect impact inflicting uncommon adjustments to the ft.

Anecdotal studies of “Ozempic ft” describe a extra bony, free, and deflated look of their decrease extremities. The phenomenon may contain ache, aching, and a burning sensation within the ft.

Some individuals who’ve skilled dramatic weight reduction with GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy say the results are extra noticeable on the tops of their ft, the place tendons and veins are extra distinguished.

Regardless of the claims, “Ozempic ft” isn’t listed among the many widespread negative effects of GLP-1 medications.

Specialists say that “Ozempic ft” isn’t a direct aspect impact of the medicine however fairly a results of vital weight reduction.

“We see comparable adjustments in our surgical weight reduction sufferers. It’s primarily a change within the look of the ft; as fats and muscle are misplaced, the pores and skin could seem looser or wrinklier, and a affected person’s shoe dimension could lower,” Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Middle at Orange Coast Medical Middle in Fountain Valley, CA, advised Healthline.

Widespread results of “Ozempic ft” fall into totally different classes:

• Aesthetic: The pores and skin on prime of the foot could look free, wrinkled, or saggy. Veins and tendons could grow to be extra distinguished.
• Practical ache: Aching or burning within the balls of the ft, or new heel ache. Some individuals describe it as “strolling on pebbles.”
• Shoe match points: Footwear that used to suit completely could start to really feel too huge. Some individuals have reported dropping a whole shoe dimension, some have gone from a large foot to a daily or slender foot.

There are numerous the reason why individuals could expertise “Ozempic ft.” Listed below are a couple of of them.

Fats pad atrophy is the thinning of the plantar fats pad. That is the layer of soppy tissue between the pores and skin and the heel bone that cushions and helps the heel.

Once you drop some pounds quickly, it could skinny the plantar fats pad and result in heel ache, particularly when strolling or operating.

Nonetheless, a recent study discovered that GLP-1s could not at all times result in disproportionate muscle loss, notably amongst those that have interaction in common power coaching.

If muscle loss happens, it could considerably have an effect on your ft. Tiny muscle tissue within the ft help the arches and assist to keep up stability. If these shrink throughout speedy weight reduction, it could change how the arches flatten and have an effect on gait. If calf muscle tissue lower in mass, it might have an effect on the Achilles tendon and ankle stability.

The construction of the foot adapts when extra weight is carried for lengthy intervals. This may increasingly embrace flattening the arches, stretching the plantar fascia, and compressing the fats pads.

Once you lose a whole lot of weight, particularly rapidly, these constructions don’t essentially snap again to their authentic kind straight away. The adjustments could happen progressively.

Ali stated that sufficient protein consumption and common train may help cut back muscle loss.

“[However], these adjustments within the look of the ft can’t be completely prevented throughout vital weight reduction,” he stated.

To handle the adjustments in your ft, you may also:

• reassess your shoe dimension
• add cushioning or change to sneakers with extra cushion
• power prepare your entire physique, together with your ft
• moisturize the pores and skin often
• test your ft day by day in case you have diabetes

“There are additionally collagen-enhancing therapies that assist enhance pores and skin firmness. It is vitally essential to debate this concern together with your healthcare supplier through the preliminary session of GLP-1 remedy as a result of preventive methods are an efficient solution to keep away from these problems,” Jonathan Jennings, MD, board licensed internist with Medical Workplaces of Manhattan, advised Healthline.

Ali emphasised that this isn’t a direct aspect impact of the medicine itself, however a physiological change that may happen with any vital weight reduction.

“Though adjustments within the look of the ft and different areas of the physique are widespread with main weight reduction, I not often see this as a main concern for sufferers. The enhancements in well being and total high quality of life sometimes far outweigh any unfavorable beauty adjustments,” he stated.