What's Ozempic Butt? What To Know About The Possible Side Effect
The brand name of a drug called "semaglutide," Ozempic was developed for use in adults managing type 2 diabetes. In 2023, however, Ozempic has been featured in TikToks, advertisements, and (accusatorily) in celebrities' comment sections. As it turns out, the diabetes-fighting drug comes with side effects that make it an effective tool for weight loss.
According to UC Davis Health, the injection – now dubbed a "skinny pen" by some – mimics hormones that create feelings of fullness. Weight loss has also been a common symptom in those taking the drug to treat diabetes. As a result, Ozempic has been widely embraced by celebrities, influencers, and everyday people who are hoping to slim down. Its popularity would seem to suggest success, but it's not without its downsides.
It's important to note that Ozempic hasn't officially received FDA approval for use in aiding weight loss. Though some have achieved desirable results through the drug's use, it's not a cure-all. Sustaining weight loss will require lifestyle changes. And, as those experiencing "Ozempic butt" can attest, you don't have much control over where you lose the weight.
Ozempic is the latest weight-loss fad
Ozempic was never intended as a weight-loss drug, but the trend does make some sense. At a chemical level, Ozempic is simply a lower dosage of Wegovy, another semaglutide injection that is FDA-approved for weight loss (per UC Davis Health). While using medicine for something other than its intended purpose may sound universally bad, some doctors are on board.
In a conversation with Keck Medicine of USC, Dr. Alyssa Dominguez explained, "I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss." Her main concern in prescribing it is actually more to do with helping patients get insurance approval than fear of any actual risks. Dr. Anne Peters echoed her sentiments: "Many people are obese and overweight in the United States. That causes all sorts of health problems. So, if we can help people lose weight easily and simply, why not use all the tools we have available?"
The main danger of the drug seems to lie in the risk of it being used by people who are not obese or diabetic. Taking the drug to lose small amounts of weight not only contributes to diet culture and negative body image, but the high demand for Ozempic has created problems for those who actually need it. In January 2023, a combination of supply chain hold-ups and the popularity of the drug caused a nationwide shortage.
Side effects of Ozempic
Ozempic is known for its weight loss and appetite suppression side effects, but not all of its symptoms are positive. The most common side effects, listed on the Ozempic website, include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and generalized stomach pain. More serious consequences include kidney injury, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and an increased risk for thyroid tumors.
Unfortunately, alongside all of the Ozempic success stories, you can find horrifying experiences. One X user shared, "I've been near deathly sick all week. Ended up in the ED this morning, turns out Ozempic sent me into kidney failure ..." Another X user griped, "Day 3&4 after my Ozempic shot are my worst days. Sick to my stomach." On TikTok, one creator used the comment section of her video to share a horror story: "It made me violently ill for four days. Not worth it in my opinion."
Nausea is not uncommon when starting any new medicine. The Ozempic site even offers tips for warding it off. One thing you may not have considered, however, is how this injection will impact your butt.
The truth about Ozempic butt
The recent popularity of Ozempic has given us a larger sample size of users, many of whom share their experiences online. Some have reported new loose skin and sagging in their backside, leading to the term "Ozempic butt."
The deflated derriere that some Ozempic users experience can be attributed to rapid weight loss. "Weight loss, especially rapid, removes subcutaneous fat support from the tissue," Dr. Gary Goldenberg told Prevention. While everyone wants to see results quickly, losing weight too fast doesn't give your skin time to adjust. This manifests as a sagging appearance, especially in areas like the face, stomach, and butt. Perhaps you've already heard of "Ozempic face," another risk of the diabetes drug.
While some users understandably fear losing the volume of their behind, one expert noted that, in some ways, Ozempic butt could be seen as a positive side effect. Dr. Simon Cork pointed out to Daily Mail, "This is essentially a sign that the drugs are working at reducing weight."
Reversing Ozempic butt
Fortunately for those unhappy with their new butt shape, the side effect seems to be mostly reversible—through both natural methods and medical interventions.
Because Ozempic butt is essentially caused by the loosening of skin in the backside area, one strong strategy is to grow your gluteal muscles. "My top three exercises for growing the glutes are the barbell hip thrust, B-stance hip thrust, and dumbbell frog pump because they are easy to learn, easy to progressively overload over time, and they elicit the highest levels of glute activity," Bret Contreras, Ph.D., C.S.C.S. recommended to Shape. Beginning regular muscle-building exercises before starting weight loss medication may help mitigate the risk of sagging and excessive weight loss.
There are also many surgical options for addressing Ozempic butt. The same cosmetic tools that are used to battle the sagging skin that accompanies old age can be used to repair a shrunken rear. Good Housekeeping reached out to Dr. Jeffrey G. Lind II, founder of the Lind Institute of Plastic Surgery. He recommended looking into options such as injectable fillers and skin-tightening tactics. Skin excision, another potential treatment, involves a slightly more invasive surgical removal of excess skin (via Cleveland Clinic).
Should you use Ozempic for weight loss?
As previously mentioned, Ozempic has only been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Wegovy, a higher dosage of semaglutide, has shown promise in aiding weight loss. However, Dr. Alyssa Dominguez from Keck Medicine emphasizes that this medication is intended for individuals who meet the medical definition of obesity. "A person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater," she explained. "It's also approved for use in people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who have an accompanying overweight- or obesity-related condition."
While these drugs may have some demonstrable efficacy and widespread appeal, it is crucial to note that they are not a cure-all. Without changes to lifestyle and diet, Ozempic's impact on weight loss is likely to be short-term. Dr. Rekha Kumar told Forbes, "Studies show that stopping Ozempic completely will likely lead to regaining most of the weight lost within several months." Because Ozempic was designed to treat a chronic condition, its results rely on users taking it indefinitely.
Considering the side effects and the risk of depriving those who truly need the drug, it is worth reconsidering before jumping on this weight loss trend. Be kind to yourself and consult with your doctor about more sustainable ways to achieve your health and wellness goals.