Ozempic’s Unexpected Side Effect: “Ozempic Feet” and Hollywood’s Glimpse into the Downside of Rapid Weight Loss
The popular weight loss drug Ozempic, while celebrated for its effectiveness, is now under scrutiny for a surprising and potentially unwanted side effect: changes in the appearance of feet, dubbed “Ozempic feet.” This condition, characterized by sagging or aged-looking skin due to rapid fat loss, is raising concerns among users and medical professionals alike, especially as celebrities are speculated to be showing signs of the phenomenon.
The Rise of “Ozempic Feet”
Ozempic, along with its sister drug Mounjaro, is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, its off-label use for weight loss has surged, especially in Hollywood. While these drugs can lead to significant weight reduction,experts are now pointing out potential cosmetic downsides,including “Ozempic face” (facial sagging) and “Ozempic butt” (loss of volume in the buttocks). Now, “Ozempic feet” is the latest addition to this list of concerns.
Dr. Barry Weintraub, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York, explained the science behind this phenomenon. “seeing veiny and sagging skin on the top and sides of the foot is moast likely a result of the new lack of water retention due to a decreased BMI caused by Ozempic and other such weight-loss drugs.” He further elaborated, “As the heart becomes less taxed with extra weight, the water retention decreases, and the substructures of the foot (veins, tendons, bones) often become more visible.”
Celebrity Sightings and Speculation
The public’s attention has been drawn to this issue as observers speculate that celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey may be exhibiting signs of “Ozempic feet.”
Sharon Osbourne recently posted a cozy Instagram photo with her grandson — but eagle-eyed commenters were quick to point out signs of extreme weight loss.
Osbourne, 72, shared an Instagram photo that sparked comments about the appearance of her feet, with some suggesting they showed signs of rapid weight loss. Similarly, Winfrey, 71, was observed at the 55th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, where viewers noticed wrinkling on her feet.
| Celebrity | Observation | Speculation |
|---|---|---|
| Sharon Osbourne | wrinkling on feet in Instagram photo | Possible sign of rapid weight loss due to Ozempic |
| Oprah Winfrey | Wrinkling on feet observed at NAACP Image Awards | Possible sign of rapid weight loss due to GLP-1 medication |
It’s significant to note that neither Osbourne nor Winfrey has confirmed using Ozempic or experiencing related side effects. The observations remain speculative.
Understanding the Science Behind “ozempic Feet”
The skin on the top of the foot is naturally thin and has fewer fat reserves compared to the sole. Age-related fat pad loss can exacerbate the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles. Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro can accelerate this process by reducing fat reserves throughout the body, including the feet.
Seeing veiny and sagging skin on the top and sides of the foot is most likely a result of the new lack of water retention due to a decreased BMI caused by Ozempic and other such weight-loss drugs.
– Dr. Barry Weintraub
This rapid fat reduction, coupled with decreased water retention, can make the underlying structures of the foot, such as veins and tendons, more visible.
oprah’s Viewpoint on Weight Loss Drugs
Earlier this year,Winfrey openly discussed her experience with weight-loss drugs,acknowledging that they helped her understand the challenges faced by those who are naturally thin. She admitted to using an undisclosed GLP-1 medication to lose nearly 50 pounds after years of struggling with weight fluctuations.
One of the things that I realized the very first time I took a GLP-1 was that all these years I thoght that thin people had more willpower. They ate better foods. They were able to stick to it longer. They never had a potato chip.
Considerations and Counterarguments
While “Ozempic feet” is a growing concern, it’s crucial to consider option explanations for changes in foot appearance, such as natural aging, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally,individual responses to Ozempic and similar drugs can vary substantially.
Furthermore, some argue that the benefits of weight loss, particularly for individuals with obesity-related health problems, may outweigh the cosmetic downsides. Others suggest that lifestyle interventions, such as targeted exercises and skincare routines, could help mitigate the appearance of “Ozempic feet.”
Practical Applications and Future Research
For individuals considering or currently using Ozempic or similar medications, it’s essential to have an open discussion with their healthcare provider about potential side effects, including changes in foot appearance. Preventative measures,such as maintaining a healthy diet,staying hydrated,and engaging in regular exercise,may help minimize the risk of “Ozempic feet.”
Future research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications on body composition and skin elasticity. Studies exploring the effectiveness of various interventions for preventing or treating “Ozempic feet” would also be valuable.
