Growing Concerns Over 'Ozempic Butt' Among Weight Loss Medication Users 

Semaglutide injections, known by brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have seen a significant rise in popularity across various media channels, particularly TikTok, over the past year. The prescription medication, which emulates a bodily hormone that suppresses appetite, has become well-known for its potential weight loss benefits. However, it's also associated with a wide range of side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort and significant changes to physical appearance. Earlier this year, users reported 'Ozempic face,' a phenomenon characterized by saggy, sunken facial skin due to rapid weight loss from semaglutide use.

Now, both users and experts are drawing attention to similar effects occurring in other body parts, including the buttocks. The term 'Ozempic butt' is increasingly being used to describe unwanted saggy, loose skin resulting from weight loss.

For the uninitiated, semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist medication originally approved for type 2 diabetes treatment. It stimulates the pancreas, decreases appetite, and slows down the digestion process, which in turn can lead to weight loss. David Nazarian, M.D., medical director of MyConciergeMD, explains that while semaglutide doesn't directly cause skin problems, rapid weight loss can lead to sagging, loose skin.

"When a person loses a significant amount of weight, the skin might not fully return to its original tightness," he notes. "This is more noticeable if the weight loss is rapid."

Understanding "Ozempic butt"

Loose, deflated-looking skin is not a novel occurrence in weight loss, but the speed at which some patients lose weight with semaglutide medications can intensify the issue.

Semaglutide's impact on hunger and fullness cues could lead patients to unintentionally deprive themselves of necessary nutrients. Additionally, some might misuse the drug in combination with other unhealthy dieting strategies, such as severe calorie restriction or skipping meals. According to Dr. Nazarian, this could result in rapid weight loss and malnutrition, leading to reduced skin elasticity and sagging in typically well-defined body areas.

Such rapid weight loss can give the face an aged appearance, while in other cases, the same effect could manifest in the buttock area. Rapid weight loss can prevent the skin from adjusting to your new body shape as it would over a more extended period.

Nutrition also plays a role, with a nutrient-deficient diet potentially weakening the muscles in the buttocks region, adds Dr. Nazarian.

"Many patients are not receiving the necessary medical guidance and follow-ups when these medications are prescribed," he says. "They're often unaware of the importance of adequate protein intake to prevent muscle and fat loss, which can worsen saggy skin appearance."

Any body part with a higher concentration of fat—such as thighs, cheeks, belly, and indeed the buttocks—may be more susceptible to sagging, loose skin.

Who is at risk of "Ozempic butt"?

It's crucial to understand that semaglutide itself doesn't cause loose skin, and not everyone using it will experience this effect. However, a noticeable loss of skin elasticity during weight loss, whether on the face, rear, thighs, or other body parts, might indicate that your current nutrition intake isn't meeting your needs.

"Anyone who loses a substantial amount of fat and muscle rapidly can experience sagging skin in the areas where they lose most weight," explains Dr. Nazarian.

The connection between saggy skin and semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy is related to the amount and speed of weight loss, alongside insufficient protein intake. Studies show that semaglutide could induce muscle loss in some patients.

How to address "Ozempic butt" according to experts

Healthcare providers often work with patients using semaglutide to develop a personalized fitness plan that minimizes muscle loss during treatment. Increasing the size of gluteal muscles through exercise can help tighten loose skin over time.

Nevertheless, many are turning to surgical and cosmetic interventions to correct saggy skin, says Jeffrey G. Lind II, M.D., founder of the Lind Institute of Plastic Surgery. Options range from skin excision and injectable fillers to skin-tightening tactics, which can be surgical or noninvasive.

Other potential side effects of semaglutide medications like Ozempic, Wegovy

While weight loss is a desired outcome for many semaglutide users, extreme weight loss can result in issues like sagging skin. Other known side effects of this class of medication include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Constipation and other GI issues
• Bloating
• Hair loss

The Mayo Clinic notes that rapid weight loss comes with potential side effects and risks, such as gallstones, chronic dehydration, and malnutrition, besides saggy skin. It's essential to manage semaglutide use under the guidance of a healthcare provider and avoid seeking non-prescribed versions of this medication."

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