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‘Ozempic butt’ develops as a result of rapid weight loss. While the name might be funny, it is a real side effect that some are dealing with as they lose weight on weight loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide).
What the expression is referring to is the loose skin that can develop on the buttocks as a result of significant weight loss. ‘Ozempic face’ can also occur, which is the sagging skin on the face and neck.
So how can you avoid, or at least lessen the severity?
In this blog, we will discuss some strategies to implement for healthy and sustainable weight loss, as well as non-invasive treatments that can help tighten the skin and improve its appearance.
So before you jump to plastic surgery or start Googling ‘Brazilian butt lift’, consider these suggestions.
Quick Summary of Key Points
- Aim for slow and sustainable weight loss
- Maintain a balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats
- Engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Consider non-surgical treatments like RF microneedling
Causes of ‘Ozempic Butt’
There are a few factors that contribute to the development of ‘Ozempic butt’:
- Rapid weight loss: When you lose a significant amount of weight too quickly, it doesn’t allow your skin enough time to adjust. As a result, it may not bounce back fully, leading to a loss of volume and saggy skin.
- Age and genetics: The natural aging process and genetics play a role in how elastic your skin is. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, making it more prone to sagging after weight loss.
- Lack of muscle tone: When you lose weight too fast, you not only lose fat but also muscle mass. This can contribute to the appearance of ‘Ozempic butt’ as there is less support for the skin.
Solutions for ‘Ozempic Butt’
The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent or reduce the severity. These include:
- Slow and sustainable weight loss: Gradual weight loss allows your skin time to adjust and bounce back better. Not only that, it is the best way to lose weight and keep it off for the long term.
Losing weight too quickly has a negative effect on your metabolism and usually results in weight gain once the medication and/or diet is stopped. So you can see how it could become a vicious circle of losing and gaining which further exacerbates the problem of excess skin! - Balanced diet: Avoid fad diets that encourage rapid weight loss and eliminate entire food groups. Instead, focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will encourage sustainable weight loss and give your body the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy weight.
- Regular exercise: Cardiovascular and strength training should be a key component of your weight loss journey. Muscle growth helps to fill out and support the skin, reducing the appearance of loose or sagging skin. Everyone’s experience will be different depending on how much weight you lose. You may not be able to completely avoid sagging or loose skin on any part of your body after weight loss. But building muscle will help to improve the overall appearance and give you a healthier, more toned body.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated and supple. When your skin has a lot of moisture, it is more elastic and can bounce back better.
- Non-surgical treatments: RF microneedling is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that can help improve the appearance of loose skin. It uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, helping to tighten and firm the skin. It can be used as you lose weight to help prevent or improve ‘Ozempic butt’ and other areas of sagging skin.
Scarlet® RF Microneedling For Sagging Skin
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and triggers the body’s natural healing response.
Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to the deeper layers of the skin, causing further collagen production and tightening of the skin. This combination can help improve the appearance of sagging skin on any part of the body, including the buttocks.
Radiofrequency energy is beneficial because it has the ability to reach deeper layers of skin without causing damage to the surface. The RF energy heats the tissue, stimulating collagen and elastin production, leading to tighter, smoother skin.
The results of RF microneedling are seen over time as the collagen and elastin continue to build and strengthen the skin.
It is important to have realistic expectations when considering RF microneedling. While it can significantly improve the appearance of sagging skin, it may not completely eliminate it.
Other Treatments to Consider
As you continue to lose weight, you may want to consider another non-surgical fat loss treatment called body contouring.
Body contouring helps to empty fat cells of harmful fatty materials. This “slimming down” of fat cells results in a more contoured appearance.
This treatment is really beneficial if you have areas of stubborn fat that just won’t budge, even with a healthy diet and exercise.
Final Thoughts
Losing weight is an incredible achievement and should be celebrated! But the effects on your skin can be disheartening. That’s why it’s important to have realistic expectations and take proactive steps to prevent or reduce the severity.
From sustainable weight loss practices to non-invasive treatments like RF microneedling and body contouring, there are options available to help you feel confident in your renewed body.
If you are currently a weight loss patient at our wellness clinic in Tempe and would like to know more about the treatments discussed here, chat with us about it at your next appointment.
Not a patient yet? Call our wellness clinic in Tempe to discuss the weight loss strategies that can help you reach your goals!
Call (480) 427-0442 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you!