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Although the rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications is typically beneficial for individuals living with obesity, some users have reported an unexpected drawback: a condition known as “Ozempic feet.”
Sharing their experience on Reddit, user BlooeyzLA noted that while they have lost significant weight, it came at the expense of their foot’s fat pad.
“It’s very uncomfortable, and I’m wondering what you’ve done to alleviate it other than always wearing shoes or slippers,” the original poster (OP) wrote.
“I’ve been taking Mounjaro for 10 months and am down near 100 lbs.”
Commenters on the post were sympathetic and agreed that the side effect of the weight loss was significant.
“That’s a real side effect that some people deal with,” one user observed. “A podiatrist might actually be worth seeing since they can recommend cushioning inserts or specific shoe types that take pressure off those areas.”
Other users noted that the problem can extend to the fat pad that protects the tailbone, as well as other body parts.
“This can also happen to fat pads on the palm,” one user observed. “As well as fat pads that protect certain nerves and ligaments, particularly around joints. It’s definitely an issue.”
Fat Pad Atrophy
Fat pad atrophy can happen naturally with age, but podiatrists say rapid weight loss may accelerate the process by reducing the cushioning that protects the bones in the feet.
Online, the term “Ozempic feet” is used to describe the changes some people notice after losing significant weight while using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
People experiencing fat pad atrophy often describe the sensation as feeling like they are “walking on rocks,” according to Optimum Podiatry in Georgia—even when wearing supportive shoes.
Walking barefoot on hard surfaces may become painful, while persistent corns and calluses can develop because more pressure is being placed directly on the bones of the foot.
In more severe cases—particularly for people with diabetes—reduced cushioning may also increase the risk of skin breakdown and foot ulcers.
Although aging is the most common cause, sudden weight loss can contribute because fat is lost throughout the body, including the feet.
Solutions
Experts recommend several steps to help reduce the risk of symptoms.
Wearing supportive footwear instead of going barefoot can lessen pressure on vulnerable areas, while avoiding high heels may help preserve the foot’s natural cushioning.
For people taking GLP-1 medications, eating enough protein is important, as is strength or resistance training to preserve muscle mass during weight loss, although these measures cannot determine where the body loses fat.
If symptoms develop, treatment typically focuses on relieving pressure and restoring comfort.
Depending on the severity, podiatrists may recommend cushioned footwear, gel inserts or custom orthotics to redistribute weight across the foot and reduce pain.
Newsweek previously covered the potential for Ozempic to have surprising effects on mental health, as well as the best ways to keep weight off after discontinuing the use of a GLP-1.
Newsweek has reached out to podiatrists for comment via email.
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