Ozempic feet have recently surfaced as a serious side effect associated with GLP-1 drugs. This concern is especially striking among people enrolled in obesity management programs. This condition is characterized by sagging skin, loss of subcutaneous fat padding over tendons or veins in the feet. That’s starting to change as more people post their stories on social media. Medical professionals, including Scott Isaacs, MD, president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, stress the importance of recognizing and addressing the discomfort that may arise from this condition.
The effects of Ozempic feet aren’t just cosmetic. It can affect a person’s gait. Dr. Isaacs explains that the pain can cause changes to the mechanics of one’s gait which can lead to even more issues. As awareness grows, health professionals are encouraging patients to be more vigilant and look out for any symptoms on their feet. This is particularly critical for patients using GLP-1 medications for weight management or as diabetes treatment.
The Nature of Ozempic Feet
Ozempic feet is a side effect caused by the rapid weight loss often experienced by people taking GLP-1s. Dr. Isaacs told Health that the fat pads in the feet act as natural shock absorbers. When people lose weight rapidly, the deeper subcutaneous fat goes away, resulting in excess, unsupported skin. This can result in an unsightly effect where the tendons and veins start to pop out, which can feel weird.
“The feet’s fat pads act as natural shock absorbers, and the rapid loss of tissue can leave the skin in the foot lax and unsupported,” – Scott Isaacs, MD
In order to prevent these adverse events, slow and steady weight loss is advised. Slower weight loss allows the skin tissue to adapt, as Dr. Isaacs further explains. This method can help minimize the risk of excessive sagging, or loss of fat in the feet. Perhaps most importantly, he tells patients’ parents that there’s no surefire promise to avoid this condition altogether.
Dr. Karl Nadolsky, DO, a clinical endocrinologist and obesity specialist, agrees with these statements. To that end, he insists that there are strategies and solutions to limit discomfort. People need to be prepared for lost fat to result in structural changes in foot health.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Ozempic feet complaints have been climbing in recent weeks. Our medical professionals recommend that you get evaluated for any new or worsening foot symptoms. It’s important to see a podiatrist if you notice these changes,” Dr. Nadolsky says. Thus, an in-depth medical evaluation is important to best identify the underlying cause and manage them accordingly.
People with diabetes have a fivefold increased risk of foot complication. They are at risk for developing diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, foot ulcers, and infections. Dr. Nadolsky emphasizes that individuals with diabetes should report any changes to their feet immediately to a member of their diabetes care team.
“People with new or worsening foot symptoms require a thorough medical evaluation to accurately determine the cause and ensure appropriate management,” – Karl Nadolsky, DO
Dr. Nadolsky cautions that non-obese weight people shouldn’t use GLP-1s. In fact, there’s no clear indication for their use, and their potential harms likely outweigh any benefit. He underscores how profoundly patients with severe obesity can be affected by these treatments. His view is that their possible benefits are well worth the risks or adverse effects involved.
Social Media Influence and Awareness
Social media has been overwhelmed with chatter and theories about Ozempic feet. Currently, users are keeping a careful eye on celebrities’ appearances, especially high-profile actors and cast members like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey for any noticeable changes. These conversations have drawn even more attention to the GLP-1 medications and their adverse effects.
Dr. Isaacs explains that weight loss can lead to observable effects in regions such as the hands, face, and feet. This occurs due to thinning skin and a loss of volume. The quickness of fat loss may prevent the skin’s natural elasticity from being able to keep up.
“This occurs because the hands, like the feet and face, are areas where fat loss is quickly visible, leading to thinning skin, loss of volume, and more prominent veins and tendons,” – Scott Isaacs, MD
As Dr. Nadolsky advises patients, the first step is to beware. While there are many concerns about GLP-1 drugs, lots of rapid and dramatic weight loss can produce these effects regardless of approach.
“There is no reason to think this effect is unique to GLP-1 drugs as it seems reasonable to possibly occur with any rapid and significant weight loss,” – Karl Nadolsky, DO
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