Truth behind 'Ozempic feet' and grim side effects of dramatic weight loss

We've heard about 'face' and even 'bum'. But now people are talking about a new side effect - and it's unexpected.

Ozempic has surged in popularity amongst those seeking to lose weight, despite the fact that it is designed to treat people with type 2 diabetes. The medication works similarly to approved weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which mimic the hormone GLP-1, by slowing down digestion, which reduces people's appetite, leading to significant weight loss.

While many patients, including celebrities, have high praise for the medicines for their life-changing benefits, some have also flagged some significant side effects. A small number of users have reported having intense gastrointestinal problems, including , problems and even acute kidney injuries. And while these symptoms are incredibly damaging, they are thankfully rare.

However, there is one side effect that everyone now seems to be talking about, dubbed 'Ozempic feet' - and we spoke with Dr Matthew McCarter, clinical lead at Try Habitual, to find out more. Speculation mounted around Sharon Osbourne's recent post, with fans questioning whether she was experiencing a sign of 'Ozempic feet' or perhaps just a natural sign of ageing.

Sharon, 71, first admitted to using weight loss drugs in 2023. And in podcast with Howie Mandel, she declared: "It's not a sin to use Ozempic if you have a weight problem, so why not talk about it?"

But Dr Matthew confirmed: "Ozempic feet is not a recognised medical condition. It's a term that has emerged on social media and in the media landscape to describe changes in the appearance of feet and also foot discomfort reported by some individuals taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro."

How does fat loss from weight loss medication impact the feet?

Weight loss, in general, can shift how fat is distributed throughout the body. "Rapid weight loss, in any form, will lead to a reduction in subcutaneous fat, even in the feet - whether through lifestyle changes or medications," says Dr Matthew. "This may include the soles of the feet, which also naturally lose fat padding with age. However, rapid fat loss alone is not typically a direct cause of foot pain."

In fact, for many people, weight loss actually eases the stress on joints and can improve foot discomfort.

Does rapid fat loss lead to foot pain, or even mobility issues?

In some cases, rapid weight loss can lead to temporary discomfort or changes in walking patterns. However, Dr Matthew emphasises that these symptoms are not unique to GLP-1 medications - and in fact the trials show a completely different trend.

"The STEP-9 trial showed improvements in patient's pain from knee osteoarthritis with Wegovy, thought to be due to weight loss but also a potential anti-inflammatory effect," he says, further noting that in another trial patients with heart failure (predominantly older) improved symptomatically when taking Wegovy. Their functional ability improved too.

Some people have reported having pain when walking on their feet, is this a permanent issue?

For most people, the pain will improve once the body is able to adjust to weight loss. However, if the symptoms become persistent or worsened in pain, patients should see a healthcare professional.

"Conditions like plantar fasciitis are very common in patients with a high BMI and a recent increase in activity levels," says Dr Matthew.

"If patients are experiencing numbness, pins and needles or pain in their feet it could be due to peripheral neuropathy which can occur in patients with diabetes or those with a sudden drop in their blood sugar."

Some foot pain may simply be down to the increase in activity levels, which may be a shock to the system but is a crucial aspect when managing weight.

In summary, 'Ozempic feet' is a term being used to describe the visible and physical changes in feet after rapid weight loss - but it is not exclusive to GLP-1 medication. As more people turn to these treatments, we're seeing side effects surface more frequently, but they may not be as extreme as the viral terms suggest.

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