‘Ozempic Feet’ is a term used to describe the aged appearance of the feet following weight loss associated with Ozempic use.
While a person’s age is typically judged by their facial features, it is possible to conceal signs of aging through heavy makeup or Botox.
In contrast, feet are less frequently attended to or altered cosmetically, often revealing clues about a person’s underlying health and aging. This phenomenon has been observed in celebrities using Ozempic on the runway.
Lets talk about the “Ozempic Feet”!
There has been a lot of buzz about Ozempic, a drug mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes that has also gained attention for its role in weight loss.
While people are talking about how well it works and what side effects it might cause, a more casual term has started popping up called “Ozempic feet.”
If you have come across this phrase or noticed changes in your feet while taking Ozempic, you probably want some clarity.
It is important to know that “Ozempic feet” is not an official medical term. Instead, it actually refers to different kinds of foot-related symptoms people on the medication might be experiencing.
Ozempic, which is also known by its generic name semaglutide, is part of a drug group called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These drugs copy the action of a natural hormone in the body that can manage blood sugar and create a sense of fullness, which often results in weight loss.
Although Ozempic mainly helps with blood sugar and appetite, its effects throughout the body can also indirectly impact less obvious areas, like our often-ignored feet.
Ozempic Feet
One major indirect effect of Ozempic on the feet is tied to losing weight. People who have been overweight for a long time have feet that have adjusted to support that extra mass.
As Ozempic helps shed pounds, the way pressure is placed on the feet shifts. This change can bring a few effects.
For example, people may feel less foot pain that was worsened by the extra weight. Issues like plantar fasciitis or tired, achy feet may improve as pressure on the plantar fascia and other foot parts lessens.
However, losing weight can also bring new or unusual feelings. The fat pads on our feet naturally cushion them, helping absorb shock and give support.
When overall body fat drops, these pads might shrink, which can cause a sense of more pressure or even soreness in some spots, especially under the balls or heels.
Some people say it feels like their bones stick out more or like there’s less padding than they’re used to.
Besides helping with weight loss, Ozempic can have side effects that might indirectly affect your feet. One of these is dehydration, which can happen due to stomach issues like nausea or vomiting, common with GLP-1 receptor agonists [ref].
Staying hydrated is important for keeping tissues flexible and avoiding muscle cramps. If you are dehydrated, you might get cramps in your feet and legs, or your skin could become dry and cracked.
This dryness can make your feet more likely to get irritated or infected. So, proper hydration is key while taking this medication.
It is also important to consider that any foot-related symptoms experienced while taking Ozempic might not be directly caused by the medication itself.
Foot problems are common and can arise from various factors, including ill-fitting footwear, overuse, injuries, or other underlying medical conditions unrelated to Ozempic.
It is possible that the onset of foot issues might simply coincide with the initiation of Ozempic treatment.
What can you do in this situation?
The number one thing you must do is communicate with your doctor. Describe your symptoms in detail and tell them when they started, the nature of the discomfort, and any other relevant information.
Your doctor can help find the underlying cause of your foot issues and find the difference between potential medication-related effects, consequences of weight loss, or unrelated conditions.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might suggest simple measures like wearing supportive footwear with good cushioning, using orthotic inserts to provide additional support and shock absorption, or just staying hydrated.
In some cases, they might suggest consulting a podiatrist who is a foot and ankle care specialist, for an evaluation and management plan.
Some more suggestions include:
Eating at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily
Reducing how often you snack or eat meals
Beginning meals with fermented foods and fiber-rich vegetables
Managing stress using mindfulness or breathing exercises
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Takeaway
After terms like ozempic face (overall hollowing of your facial features), ozempic breasts (saggy breasts), and ozempic butt (loose skin around the buttocks), and Ozempic nails, now we have an entirely new terminology.
Even though ‘Ozempic feet’ is not an official medical term, it probably describes what some people truly feel in their feet while using this med.
These changes might be due to major weight loss that is linked with Ozempic, side effects like dehydration, or just unrelated foot issues.
It is very important to talk freely with your doctor to understand what is really causing your symptoms and to get the right care, so your feet stay healthy and feel good during the time you use Ozempic.
Always remember that caring for your whole health means noticing what your feet might be telling you.
I am Dr. Ahmed (MBBS; FCPS Medicine), an Internist and a practicing physician. I am in the medical field for over fifteen years working in one of the busiest hospitals and writing medical posts for over 5 years.
Dr. Ahmed 
