What Is Ozempic Butt? How to Firm Up Saggy Skin After Rapid Weight Loss, According to a Doctor

It’s normal to notice some dramatic changes to your appearance while taking Ozempic or weight loss drugs like Wegovy. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both medications, mimics a hormone that helps to control appetite, so these medications can lead to rapid, significant weight loss. But you might also experience an unexpected (and likely unwelcome) change in your body. Some people using semaglutide report a suddenly-saggy rear view, a side effect commonly known as “Ozempic butt” or “Wegovy butt.” Here’s what you need to know about saggy skin after weight loss and how you can treat Ozempic butt.

What is ‘Ozempic butt’?

“Ozempic butt” refers to loose or sagging skin in the buttocks. This is caused by rapid weight loss (especially fat loss) while taking semaglutide medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy.

In a study published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, participants who took 2.4mg of semaglutide for 68 weeks lost up to 20 percent of their body weight. “The buttocks contain a large fat reserve in most people, making it one of the first areas in which some people notice weight reduction,” says Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, an obesity medicine physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. “This can lead to sagging skin.”

Weight Loss

The Citrus Secret to Losing Belly Fat and Inches in Just Weeks Without Dieting or Exhausting Exercise!

Mention the good old-fashioned “grapefruit diet” and women of a certain age will all nod (or cringe) in recognition. Over the past 90 years, the weight-loss approach has seen different iterations, but they often made us hungry, cranky and deficient in a well-rounded assortment of nutrients. Thankfully, science has uncovered a healthier, easier and more […]

Semaglutide medications can also affect the muscle tone in your tush, making it appear flatter. “Le

an muscle mass can also be reduced to varying degrees,” Dr. Stanford says. A study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that total fat mass dropped an average of 19 percent over the course of 68 weeks. But lean body mass—which includes muscle—also dropped nearly 10 percent.

‘Ozempic face’ is a thing, too

As you gain weight, collagen and elastin ( the proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticity) help your skin stretch to accommodate the extra weight.

But a study published in the journal ePlasty suggests that collagen and elastin fibers can become damaged over time. That means that your skin may not fully bounce back to its original shape after losing larger amounts of weight. This can also cause a similar side effect known as “Ozempic face,” in which the face appears sunken or hollowed out after losing weight quickly on semaglutide medications.

Should you be worried about sagging skin?

Sagging skin is primarily a cosmetic concern, Dr. Stanford says. “To care for sagging skin, consider allowing the skin some time to recoil and regain some elasticity,” she adds. “Topical creams are available, containing retinol, caffeine, peptides or hyaluronic acid.”

However, Dr. Stanford cautions that folds of loose skin may cause skin irritation. If excess skin is interfering with your wellbeing, your doctor may be able to recommend other treatment options such as body contouring treatments or cosmetic surgery.

Loss of muscle tone in that area may also cause issues for some women. “Because the glutes are an important part of the core muscles—which support the trunk, spine, hips and pelvic floor—weakened glutes can cause functional limitations, including pain, imbalance and compromised bladder or bowel functions,” Dr. Stanford says.

Health

Worried About ‘Ozempic Face’? What an MD Wants You to Know about Ozempic Side Effects

Ozempic has been called Hollywood’s 'worst kept secret' for weight loss, but is it safe for everyone?

Strength training to tone your Ozempic body

Strengthening your glutes can help to reshape your rear and lessen the appearance of Ozempic butt. “If the glute muscles are weakened, the buttocks can appear to sag more, and posture may be affected,” Dr. Stanford says. To combat this, she recommends strength exercises that target the glutes, hip

flexors, legs and core.

Here are three moves that can be effective for battling Ozempic butt:

Lunges

Deal of the Day

Save 52% and Get Clearer Skin With Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 View Deal

• Begin in a standing position with hands on your hips.
• Step back to a split stance, with your right foot approximately two feet behind your left.
• Keeping your chest up and shoulders back, bend your knees and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor.
• Push back up to the starting position.
• Repeat eight to 10 times, then repeat the set on the opposite side.

Squats

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
• Keeping your head, neck and back aligned, soften your knees and hinge slightly at the hips.
• Bend your knees and drive your hips back, as if you’re sitting back into a chair. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.
• Press into your heels and push back to the starting position. Repeat eight to 10 times.

Glute bridges

• Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Rest your arms straight down by your sides with palms facing down.
• Tighten your glutes and push through your heels to raise your hips off the floor. Your shoulders, hips and knees should be in a straight line at the top of the movement.
• Hold, then slowly lower your hips down to the floor.
• Repeat eight to 10 times.