It’s no secret that Ozempic and other weight loss medications have exploded in popularity, both here on Long Island and all across the country. And, while people are thrilled with some of the results they get from taking semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications, there is a new side effect people are less thrilled about: Ozempic feet. So, what is this condition? Can you prevent or treat the problem without giving up on your weight loss? Here’s what you need to know!
Ozempic Feet: What are They? ![semaglutide injections]()
By now, you’ve probably hear about Ozempic face—when the skin on your face looks saggy because you lost weight rapidly while taking semaglutide. Well, Ozempic Feet is a similar condition—here. Rapid weight loss results in the erosion of natural fat pads on your feet. Afterward, the skin on your feet looks saggy, and your veins are more visibly prominent. Now, these concerns are mainly aesthetic. But Ozempic feet isn’t just a concern for people who like to rock their open-toed shoes or sandals. In fact, losing fat in your feet can also trigger some additional—and painful—concerns.
Ozempic Foot Problems
Foot problems are not a direct side effect of semaglutide or other GLP-1 medication. In fact, because they help with weight loss, they could actually resolve some foot concerns for obese individuals. (Carrying extra weight puts excess pressure on your feet, often contributing to pain and other problems.) However, when you rapidly lose weight, and the peripheral fat on your feet goes away, that loss can be problematic.
Why is that the case? You see, the fat in your feet is actually important for your health. Located in your heels and the balls of your feet, this padding serves as built-in shock absorption. Helping reduce the impact of movement on your muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. So, without it, you are more likely to experience foot pain—especially when you’re on your feet for a long time. Additionally, without its natural protections from pressure, your feet are more like to develop corns and calluses in places where fat padding has eroded. So, while you don’t really need to be worried about Ozempic feet, we would like to help you protect your feet from taking a hit during your weight loss journey.
Avoiding Ozempic Feet: Is It Possible?
If you are taking GLP-1 weight loss medications, you will almost certainly experience fat loss. Still, you can may be able to prevent the sagging skin and elevated risk for foot concerns associated with Ozempic feet. To begin with, you will have to place an increased focus on your nutrition. You see, semaglutide helps you lose weight in several ways—and one key way is that it reduces your appetite. Now, that’s a great thing if you want to drop pounds—but it also means the food you can eat should be packed with nutrients. And, if you want to avoid sagging skin, you should increase your lean protein intake—aim for about 1 gram per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. That means if you are currently 220 pounds, you should consume 220 grams (or about 8 ounces) of lean protein each day. Of course, your daily protein target will decrease as you lose weight. But it may still be difficult to reach through diet alone, so you can discuss protein supplements with your health care provider.
While protein helps build muscle strength, you should also focus on resistance training if you want to prevent Ozempic feet. By working with light weights or even resistance bands, you can support muscle strength throughout your body, helping reduce visible skin sagging. Still, fat loss in your feet may still occur. And, if that’s the case, we can help protect your feet from complications associated with that loss, so you can stay on your medication for as long as your healthcare provider deems appropriate.
Supporting Foot Health with Weight Loss
While losing weight rapidly can contribute to foot pain, carrying excess weight isn’t great for your feet. The excess pressure on your feet increases your risk for everything from bunions and plantar fasciitis to osteoarthritis. So, while we want to help reduce the impact of weight loss on your feet, we don’t think that the fear of developing Ozempic feet should prevent you from exploring medications that could help you reach your goals.
Treating Ozempic Feet in Nassau County
So many of our patients in Massapequa have found a new lease on life thanks to semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. And, as your Nassau County podiatrists, Dr. Mark Gasparini and Dr. Novneet Chhabra are here to protect your feet during your weight loss journey, so you can live your best—and active—life without the fear of foot pain.
Need help protecting your feet from the impact of rapid weight loss? From soft insoles to shoe recommendations and more, we have the tools you need to move comfortably. Just contact us by calling 516-804-9038 or by following this link to request an appointment.