As more individuals turn to weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, notable changes in body appearance can occur. These drugs, which contain semaglutide, simulate a hormone that regulates appetite, leading to rapid weight loss. However, users often report an unexpected side effect: sagging skin in the buttocks, commonly referred to as “Ozempic butt.” Here’s a closer look at this phenomenon and strategies for addressing it.
What Is “Ozempic Butt”?
“Ozempic butt” describes loose or sagging skin in the buttocks area. This condition typically arises from significant fat loss during rapid weight reduction, particularly while using semaglutide medications.
A study published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism highlighted that participants who took a 2.4 mg dosage of semaglutide for 68 weeks lost up to 20% of their body weight. According to Dr. Jennie Stanford, an obesity medicine physician, the buttocks often serve as a major fat reserve, making them one of the first areas where weight loss is noticeable. This rapid fat reduction can result in sagging skin.
Furthermore, semaglutide medications may also impact muscle tone in the buttocks, causing them to appear flatter. Dr. Stanford notes that lean muscle mass can decrease, which a study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found to average a 10% reduction alongside a 19% drop in total fat mass over the same 68-week period.
The Connection to “Ozempic Face”
Similar to the phenomenon affecting the buttocks, “Ozempic face” refers to a sunken appearance in the facial area post-weight loss. Research published in ePlasty suggests that the skin’s structural proteins, collagen and elastin, can be damaged over time, hindering the skin’s ability to revert to its original shape following significant weight loss.
Is Sagging Skin a Cause for Concern?
While sagging skin primarily poses cosmetic concerns, Dr. Stanford advises that individuals should allow their skin time to regain elasticity. Various topical creams containing retinol, caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid may assist in this recovery process. However, excessive loose skin can lead to irritation. If it affects quality of life, consulting a healthcare provider about potential treatments, such as body contouring or cosmetic surgery, may be beneficial.
Additionally, reduced muscle tone in the glutes can lead to functional issues. As Dr. Stanford points out, weakened glutes are crucial for core support and can lead to complications such as pain, imbalance, and issues with bladder or bowel function.
Strengthening the Glutes: A Solution for “Ozempic Butt”
To combat the appearance of Ozempic butt, incorporating strength training exercises to tone the glutes is essential. Dr. Stanford recommends focusing on the glutes, hip flexors, legs, and core through targeted exercises.
Here are three effective movements to consider:
1. Lunges
- Start standing with hands on hips.
- Step back into a split stance, placing your right foot two feet behind your left.
- Keeping your chest upright and shoulders back, bend your knees until your front thigh is parallel to the floor.
- Push back up to the starting position and repeat eight to ten times on each side.
2. Squats
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Align your head, neck, and back while softening your knees.
- Lower your body by bending your knees and driving your hips back as if sitting in a chair, ensuring your knees form a 90-degree angle.
- Press through your heels to return to the starting position, repeating eight to ten times.
3. Glute Bridges
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, arms at your sides.
- Tighten your glutes and raise your hips off the floor, aligning your shoulders, hips, and knees at the top of the movement.
- Hold briefly, then lower your hips back down. Repeat eight to ten times.
Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help reshape your rear and reduce the appearance of sagging skin resulting from weight loss medications.
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