Podiatrists Link GLP-1 Drugs to 'Ozempic Feet' as U.S. Use Jumps Nearly 600%

3 articles · Updated · creators.yahoo.com · Jul 6

Podiatrists say patients on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are increasingly reporting "Ozempic feet"—pain, loose skin and shoes no longer fitting—often showing up in clinics weekly.
Three mechanisms are driving the problem: rapid fat-pad loss that reduces cushioning, lean-mass loss that can alter foot mechanics, and structural adjustment after losing 40, 60 or even 100 pounds.
30.8% of weight lost during GLP-1 therapy was lean mass in a 2025 meta-analysis, though a March 2026 study said muscle loss may not be disproportionate when patients keep up resistance training.
Patients losing 15% to 20% of body weight in under a year, older adults, highly active people and those with diabetes face the highest risk, with poor shoe fit raising the danger of blisters, ulcers and slow-healing wounds.
Nearly 600% growth in U.S. incretin-drug use over five years means podiatrists expect more cases, and they advise remeasuring shoe size, adding cushioning and checking feet daily for diabetic patients.