Loose Skin / Sagging Skin (body) / "Ozempic Butt"
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences with loose or sagging skin, sometimes referred to as "Ozempic Butt," while using GLP-1 medications. Many attribute this to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself, though some surgeons have noted changes in skin quality in GLP-1 patients. [1, 2]
Experiences with Loose Skin:
Many users believe that loose skin is a consequence of significant and rapid weight loss, regardless of the method. One user stated, "Loose skin can be cause by any significant weight loss, even if you do it the “right”/“hard”/“proper” way! "[14] Another commented, "You will probably have loose skin if you lose a lot of weight quickly. This applies however you lose that weight. "[15]
Some users report minimal loose skin. One user who lost 52 pounds said the only loose skin was on their upper thighs in an area of previous skin damage, attributing the general lack of loose skin to gradual weight loss, moisturizing, and hydration. [4] Another, on a low dose of Ozempic and down 30 pounds, reported, "so far it hasn’t been an issue, everything seems to be shrinking. "[7]
Specific areas of concern mentioned include the stomach and inner thighs,[9] forearms ("deflated!! They kind of hang there like a wrinkled sack"),[11] face (referred to as "Ozempic face"),[17, 30] and the buttocks ("Ozempic butt" or losing a "bubble booty"). [30, 31]
For many, loose skin is an acceptable trade-off for the health benefits of weight loss. One user said, "I'll take loose skin over the daily struggle I lived being over 3 hundo any day of the week. "[8] Another stated, "Yes there’s a possibility of loose skin but it’s my personal opinion that the benefits of losing weight are FAR more important. "[6]
One user mentioned, "I’ve been on Ozempic for three years now... I have taken daily supplements of BioTrust Multi Collagen while on Ozempic, and I do not have any hanging or abnormally loose skin" despite losing 93 lbs. [17]
Some users note that skin changes are not unique to GLP-1s. A yo-yo dieter commented, "the skin becomes thinner & looser, but no worse than with losing weight through dieting. "[36]
There's discussion about whether GLP-1s specifically affect skin differently than other forms of weight loss. An article cited by users mentions that "studies have shown that ‘the skin in patients who have undergone massive weight loss is weaker due to the fact that the collagen and elastin fibers become damaged and are thinner overall. ’"[29] The same article notes surgeons observing differences between gastric bypass patients and Ozempic patients. [40]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Diet and Nutrition:
Protein Intake: Prioritizing protein is often advised. "Protein! And resistance training... I lost 30kg in 12 months but lots of loose skin because I didnt keep muscle work up," shared one user. [46] Another emphasized, "focusing on protein and ensuring your weight loss is a pound or two a week, no more. "[45]
Hydration: "Keeping up water intake so cellular regeneration is also supported from the inside. "[4]
Collagen Supplements: One user takes "daily supplements of BioTrust Multi Collagen. "[17] Another suggests, "Collagen, proteins, fats, lipids, etc. etc. etc. along with maxing out your water intake... will make a huge difference. "[12]
Slow and Steady Weight Loss: Many users recommend a slower pace of weight loss. "If you lose slowly, exercise and eat enough protein, you shouldn't wind up with tons of loose skin. "[33] Another advises, "Best way to minimize loose skin is a small caloric deficit, a weekly weight loss of no more than 1-2 lbs and weight lifting. "[13] This can be achieved by staying on the "lowest effective dose. "[4, 22]
Topical Treatments:
Moisturizers: "Keeping skin moisturized - lotion after every shower. Moisturizing face and neck before bed every night. "[4]
Specialized Creams: One user found Gold Bond crepe corrector helpful: "my neck and face feel much tighter when I use my Gold Bond crepe corrector skin lotion. "[43]
Sunscreen: "SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN. It's a HUGE help especially for face/neck/chest areas. "[12]
Medical/Procedural Interventions:
Surgery: For significant loose skin, surgery is often seen as the most effective option. "After 100 lbs, the only thing that could help the major areas was surgery. "[7]
Microneedling and HIFU: "Microneedling can help a little, some say Hifu but some say it does the opposite. "[9]
Red Light Therapy: One user is trying "Red light therapy with a full body red light mat. "[3]
Fasting for Autophagy: The same user mentioned, "Dr Jason Fung/Megan Ramos run clinics... Megan Ramos has stated that despite her patients mostly being older, they have no problems with loose skin due to autophagy. "[3]
Other Factors:
Age and Genetics: Younger individuals may have better skin elasticity. [14, 15, 33] Genetics also play a significant role. [26, 28]
Fat Redistribution: One user noted, "once you hit goal weight, you fat slowly starts to redistribute to the proper areas. "[35]
Users generally acknowledge that loose skin is a common outcome of significant weight loss, but many are actively seeking ways to mitigate it through lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and, in some cases, medical procedures.
Experiences with Loose Skin:
- Plastic surgeons have observed changes in the skin of patients on GLP-1s.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Strength Training and Exercise: This is a frequently recommended strategy.
Users generally acknowledge that loose skin is a common outcome of significant weight loss, but many are actively seeking ways to mitigate it through lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and, in some cases, medical procedures.