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- “Ozempic feet” and “Ozempic mouth” are the newest cosmetic side effects associated with GLP-1 medications aimed at weight loss.
- Experts indicate that rapid weight loss can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin due to the loss of fat and muscle in certain areas.
- These effects can be mitigated by increasing protein intake and incorporating resistance training into your fitness regimen.
The terms “Ozempic feet” and “Ozempic mouth” have recently emerged as part of the dialogue around the unusual side effects linked to popular GLP-1 medications for weight management.
Social media reports have drawn attention to “Ozempic feet,” a side effect characterized by excessively wrinkled feet. A recent Instagram photo featuring Sharon Osbourne barefoot ignited widespread discussion.
In parallel, “Ozempic face” refers to the hollowing of the cheeks and increased wrinkle formation as individuals lose weight. There is also the phenomenon known as “Ozempic butt,” where sagging skin becomes more pronounced around the buttocks as weight decreases.
While Ozempic is frequently associated with these terms, similar side effects can also occur with other injectable weight loss treatments like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro.
Experts clarify that these side effects are not directly caused by the medications but rather result from the rapid weight loss they induce. They emphasize that these effects are generally cosmetic and not considered harmful to one’s health.
Nevertheless, individuals can lessen these effects by making dietary and exercise modifications. Slowing down the weight loss process can also help reduce some of these cosmetic changes.
“You need a supportive team to guide you,” advised Dan Azagury, MD, FACS, an associate professor of surgery and the section chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Stanford University.
“Seek out support and approach this journey thoughtfully,” he told Healthline. “This is not a race. Slow and steady wins the day.”
Experts assert that wrinkles and sagging skin can often emerge after weight loss due to the loss of fat and muscle mass throughout the body.
“Significant weight loss can dramatically alter body shape and appearance,” noted Mir Ali, MD, a general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California.
“We observe similar changes following surgical weight loss; therefore, it’s more about the weight loss itself rather than the medication,” he explained to Healthline.
Nidhi Pandya, an Ayurvedic doctor and holistic practitioner, emphasized the importance of understanding both the benefits and potential downsides of weight loss medications.
“While these medications can effectively reduce appetite and enhance glycemic control, they can also accelerate weight loss, leading to systemic effects,” Pandya informed Healthline.
She outlined several potential side effects, including:
- Loss of lean body mass
- Alterations in gut microbiome
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Impaired tissue repair
“It’s crucial to approach these medications as serious metabolic interventions, following a careful assessment of their risks and benefits,” Pandya advised.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN, president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine, concurred on the need for careful planning in one’s weight loss journey.
Experts indicate that you can effectively counteract these natural side effects through dedicated dietary and exercise practices.
“Many of these side effects can be minimized by supporting the body’s physiology and metabolism through targeted lifestyle strategies,” Pandya suggested.
Her recommendations include:
- Consuming at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily
- Limiting snacking and meal frequency
- Beginning meals with fermented foods and high-fiber vegetables
- Practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises
- Maintaining a structured sleep schedule
“While these medications are potent pharmacologic tools, the foundation of metabolic health lies in well-considered, scientifically-backed lifestyle choices that support the body’s natural repair mechanisms,” Pandya noted.
“I advise my patients to maximize nutritional value in every bite while on these medications,” Kirkpatrick added. “Since these drugs lead to reduced food intake, it’s essential to avoid low-nutritional-value foods.”
Embarking on a weight loss journey is inherently challenging.
Initially, the body may need to retain fat for various physiological reasons, including protecting organs, regulating hormones, and aiding nutrient absorption.
Azagury pointed out that the human body is wired to preserve some fat as a safeguard against food shortages. “Your body is designed to resist weight loss,” he remarked. “You’re contending with tens of thousands of years of evolution in your weight loss efforts.”
He further noted that modern solutions, such as bariatric surgery and new weight loss drugs, can facilitate weight reduction to some extent.
“There’s no hierarchy in weight loss; no method is inherently better or worse,” Azagury stated.
Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable medications containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is designated for weight management.
Mounjaro and Zepbound are injectable treatments containing trizepatide. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound is used for weight management.
All these medications function by suppressing appetite.
Weight loss medications can be beneficial for those dealing with obesity and related weight management challenges, yet they come with potential side effects. Common issues include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that these drugs can assist in weight loss while improving blood sugar levels, cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of kidney disease, and enhancing cognitive function. However, it’s essential for individuals using these drugs to maintain a healthy lifestyle concurrently.
Experts stress the significance of lifestyle adjustments and recommend developing a weight loss plan under professional guidance. It’s also advisable to have a strategy for eventually stopping the use of weight loss medications once the desired weight and metabolic goals are achieved.
Kirkpatrick emphasizes the necessity of planning for the transition off the medications from the outset, considering how to cease their use once the desired outcomes are accomplished.
While medications like Ozempic and Zepbound can be effective for some, adopting evidence-based lifestyle changes remains crucial for achieving sustainable and holistic health improvements, as Pandya suggests.
