Several doctors in the UK have raised concerns over the increasing number of patients developing a condition known as "Ozempic feet," a surprising side effect of popular weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy.

According to the Daily Mail, the condition results from rapid fat loss in the feet, causing skin sagging and loss of natural padding that protects the joints while walking, leading to pain and difficulty in movement.

Dr. Bhavik Shah, a cosmetic specialist at Dr MediSpa, noted a significant rise in cases over the past 18 months, with patients reporting foot pain, thinner and drier skin, and more prominent veins. Neglecting treatment may result in severe discomfort when walking.

He added that the issue is particularly common among people using these injections despite having a lower BMI than medically recommended, accelerating fat loss and its negative effects. Many patients are unaware of the link between these drugs and foot problems or fail to inform their doctors about usage.

For treatment, Dr. Shah recommends collagen-stimulating injections to restore skin elasticity in mild cases, while more painful conditions may require hyaluronic acid fillers to replace lost fat and restore natural cushioning. Treatment costs range from £200 for simple cases to higher fees for complex sessions, with results lasting up to two years depending on filler type and weight stability.

Estimates show over half a million NHS patients in the UK and around 15 million in the US use weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, which mimic gut hormones to reduce appetite and slow digestion, leading to up to 20% weight loss in a few months. However, weight often returns after stopping treatment, and real-world results are lower than clinical trials suggest.

Despite praise for these drugs as a medical breakthrough for obesity and diabetes, recent reports reveal increasing aesthetic and health side effects, including hair thinning, gum recession, gastrointestinal and pancreatic issues, and rare cases of acute kidney injury.

Doctors stress that these injections should be used under strict medical supervision, warning that rapid weight loss may appear desirable but can have long-term health and cosmetic consequences.