What Is 'Ozempic Feet'? Why you should be cautious about THIS aftereffect of the popular weight loss drug

Hollywood has always had an on-again-off-again, love-hate relationship with Ozempic. Not just the corners of the glam circles, the popular weight loss drug has found its way to common American household as well.

Although Ozempic has made its name as one of the leading drugs in the weight loss game, it comes with a fair share of cons, too.


One of them is rapidly growing, making quite a stir on the internet - it’s Ozempic feet .


What is it?


Read on to find out.


What is Ozempic?


Ozempic ( semaglutide ) is a well-known prescription drug that’s used to treat the blood sugar of people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is given as an injection under your skin. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in people who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The Food and Drug Administration first approved the injectable medication for treating diabetes in 2017; the agency approved a drug with a higher dose of the active ingredient in Ozempic, called semaglutide, to treat obesity in 2021, under the brand name Wegovy. Since then, talk of the drug has popped up across the internet. The prescription drug keeps gaining attention as celebrities, a tech mogul, and TikTok influencers have described taking it to lose weight in short time frames.


What is Ozempic feet?

Reports online claimed that “Ozempic feet” is one of the side effects of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Netizens have speculated whether celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey have started showing unexpected foot-related side effects.

But what exactly happens when one has Ozempic feet?

‘Ozempic feet’ is a side effect of rapid weight loss induced by the drug, referring to the changes in the feet due to a sudden loss of fat padding in the soles. This can lead to a feeling of walking on bone, soreness, and difficulty standing for extended periods. Additionally, the reduced fat can make veins and tendons more visible, potentially leading to a perceived older appearance.

In simpler terms, Ozempic feet is the sagging and wrinkling of one’s skin on the feet.


GLP-1 medication is generally prescribed for type-2 diabetes but has gained popularity for its weight loss effects. However, several stars have admitted to taking the medication to aid their weight loss journey, including Sharon and Oprah.

Sharon has not only admitted to taking Ozempic but also said she “went too far” with it, losing “three stone [42 pounds] in four months.” The TV personality’s recent photograph of herself cozying up on a couch with her grandson left people surprised by the appearance of her feet, with people claiming, “The feet don’t match the face.”

As per reports, media mogul Oprah also faced widespread speculation about whether she was experiencing the “Ozempic feet” phenomenon.


What causes Ozempic feet?

Doctors note that any sudden change in weight, especially one achieved through drug methods, can affect soft tissue, elasticity of the skin, and distribution of fat. In a couple of cases, GLP-1 medication like Ozempic has been determined to cause treatment-induced neuropathy in patients with diabetes, producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet. Healthcare professionals suggest that users take care of their foot health very carefully if the symptoms prevail.



Here's why you should be cautious about this side-effect:

Pain and discomfort: The loss of fat padding can make walking and standing painful and uncomfortable, potentially impacting daily activities.

Changes in appearance: The increased visibility of tendons and veins can alter the appearance of the feet, which some individuals may find undesirable, according to a cosmetic aesthetics doctor quoted in the London Evening Standard.

Underlying cause: "Ozempic feet" highlights the broader issue of rapid weight loss and its potential impact on overall health, including muscle loss and deficiencies.