Rapid Weight Loss from Ozempic Linked to Sagging Skin and Wrinkled Feet, Experts Say

Feet with polished toenails on bed
"Ozempic feet" and "Ozempic mouth" are the latest cosmetic side effects reported from GLP-1 weight loss medications, joining previously known effects like "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic butt." These conditions involve wrinkled feet, sagging skin around the mouth, facial hollowing, and loose skin in the buttocks area.
These effects aren't directly caused by medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, or Mounjaro, but rather result from rapid weight loss that leads to fat and muscle mass reduction throughout the body.
To minimize these cosmetic effects, experts recommend:
- Consuming at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily
- Incorporating resistance training into exercise routines
- Limiting snack frequency
- Including fermented foods and high-fiber vegetables
- Maintaining proper sleep habits
- Practicing stress management
GLP-1 medications work by suppressing appetite and can cause common side effects including:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
These medications have proven benefits including:
- Improved blood sugar control
- Better cardiovascular health
- Lower kidney disease risk
- Enhanced cognitive function
Medical professionals emphasize the importance of:
- Following a supervised weight loss program
- Making sustainable lifestyle changes
- Planning an eventual exit strategy from the medication
- Losing weight at a measured pace
"This is not a sprint. Slow and steady wins this race," advises Dr. Dan Azagury from Stanford University. The goal should focus on achieving a healthy weight to minimize obesity-related health conditions rather than rapid weight loss.
Healthcare providers recommend working with medical professionals throughout the weight loss journey and maintaining proper nutrition despite reduced food intake. While these medications are effective tools for weight management, success depends on combining them with healthy lifestyle practices.