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

• “Ozempic ft” is the most recent anecdotal facet impact of GLP-1 medication for weight reduction.
• The bizarre phenomenon is a results of fast weight reduction, which can trigger foot ache, adjustments in shoe measurement, and a extra bony look in the ft.
• “Ozempic ft” shouldn’t be listed as a typical facet impact of Ozempic, Wegovy, or different GLP-1 medication.

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

Anecdotal studies of “Ozempic ft” describe a extra bony, unfastened, 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” shouldn’t be listed among the many widespread unwanted effects of GLP-1 medications.

Consultants say that “Ozempic ft” shouldn’t be a direct facet impact of the treatment however fairly a results of important weight reduction.

“We see related adjustments in our surgical weight reduction sufferers. It’s basically 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 measurement could lower,” Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Heart at Orange Coast Medical Heart in Fountain Valley, CA, instructed Healthline.

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

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

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

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

Once you drop extra pounds quickly, it could possibly 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, significantly amongst those that interact in common power coaching.

If muscle loss happens, it could possibly considerably have an effect on your ft. Tiny muscle tissues within the ft assist the arches and assist to keep up stability. If these shrink throughout fast weight reduction, it could possibly change how the arches flatten and have an effect on gait. If calf muscle tissues lower in mass, it could 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 loads of weight, particularly rapidly, these buildings don’t essentially snap again to their authentic type instantly. The adjustments could happen steadily.

Ali stated that enough protein consumption and common train may also help scale back muscle loss.

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

To handle the adjustments in your ft, you can too:

• reassess your shoe measurement
• add cushioning or change to sneakers with extra cushion
• power prepare your complete physique, together with your ft
• moisturize the pores and skin commonly
• verify your ft each day if in case you have diabetes

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

Ali emphasised that this isn’t a direct facet impact of the treatment itself, however a physiological change that may happen with any important 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 major concern for sufferers. The enhancements in well being and total high quality of life sometimes far outweigh any unfavourable beauty adjustments,” he stated.