You’ve set off on a weight-loss journey, and it’s working. You’re seeing changes in your body as the pounds drop, your energy rises, and your health improves. But then you notice something unexpected—a change in your body that feels less than ideal. Your backside seems to have lost its fullness, looking deflated or even sagging. This effect, sometimes called “Ozempic butt,” can come as an unwelcome surprise and can affect not only how you look but how you feel.

While Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained popularity for their effectiveness in weight loss, this “Ozempic butt” phenomenon isn’t unique to these medications. Dramatic weight loss through any method—whether it’s lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or medical treatments—can lead to sagging skin and the loss of muscle definition. However, you can make certain lifestyle changes to prevent or mitigate these effects.

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand these challenges and are here to help you navigate solutions that align with your wellness goals.

What is the Ozempic butt?

“Ozempic butt” is a casual term that describes sagging or loose skin in the buttocks after rapid weight loss, commonly associated with using Ozempic, a medication developed to manage Type 2 diabetes and now widely used to promote weight loss. Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, suppresses appetite, leading to significant weight loss. However, as the body rapidly sheds weight, certain areas—like the buttocks—may appear deflated or loose.

While Ozempic is often linked to this phenomenon, it’s important to remember that dramatic weight loss can have similar effects, regardless of the method. Whether you lose weight through lifestyle changes, surgical procedures like bariatric surgery, or other medical interventions, your skin, muscle tone, and underlying fat may struggle to adapt to the new contours of your body. This can lead to changes in firmness and shape, especially in areas that naturally store fat, like the buttocks. The “Ozempic butt” effect is simply one visible side effect of weight loss.

Why dramatic weight loss can affect your butt

Several factors contribute to the changes in your body’s shape during dramatic weight loss, especially in areas like the buttocks:

• Loss of fat stores: The buttocks are a common area for fat storage, and as you lose weight, the amount of fat in this region decreases, leading to a flatter appearance.
  
• Decrease in muscle tone: Weight loss can also mean a loss in muscle mass, especially if you aren’t engaging in strength training exercises to counteract it. Reduced muscle mass can make the buttocks appear less firm.
• Changes in skin elasticity: Skin naturally loses elasticity as we age, and when weight is lost quickly, the skin may not “snap back” to fit your new body shape, causing a sagging look.
  
• Inadequate collagen production: Collagen, a key protein for skin elasticity and firmness, may not be produced quickly enough to keep up with rapid weight loss, leaving skin with a less toned appearance.

What to do if you experience ‘Ozempic butt’

If you notice changes in your buttocks after losing weight, there are steps you can take to help your body adjust. Here are some tips and strategies that can improve firmness, shape, and overall satisfaction with your body’s appearance.

Focus on strength training

Strengthening the gluteal muscles can help rebuild volume and enhance the shape of your buttocks. Focus on exercises that target the glutes, such as squats, lunges, hip thrusts, and deadlifts. Adding muscle mass in this area can naturally create a firmer, fuller look. Consistency is key, so incorporate these exercises into your weekly workout routine to maximize the results.

Prioritize collagen-boosting nutrition

Since collagen is essential for skin elasticity, consider supporting your body’s natural collagen production through nutrition. Foods rich in vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants can promote collagen synthesis, helping improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Consider foods like citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and protein sources, or add a collagen supplement.

Try non-surgical treatments for skin tightening

For those who want to avoid surgery, there are non-invasive treatments that can help improve skin firmness. Genesis Lifestyle Medicine offers non-surgical solutions, such as radiofrequency therapy, which uses heat to stimulate collagen production. Microneedling, another minimally invasive option, can also improve skin texture and elasticity by encouraging collagen growth. These treatments can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin over time.

Consider body contouring treatments

Body contouring treatments, like CoolSculpting or similar technologies, are options that Genesis Lifestyle Medicine offers to reshape and sculpt the body without surgery. These treatments target stubborn fat cells while stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can improve skin elasticity and contour in areas affected by rapid weight loss. While body contouring doesn’t replace muscle, it can improve the overall appearance of sagging skin.

Hydrate and support your skin’s elasticity

Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining elasticity, especially if you’ve experienced rapid weight loss. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a high-quality moisturizer to nourish the skin. Products containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and retinol can help retain moisture and support firmness. Genesis Lifestyle Medicine also offers treatments and products that improve hydration and elasticity, helping you maintain a healthier appearance.

While “Ozempic butt” is a side effect of rapid weight loss that many don’t expect, there are solutions that can help restore your confidence and reshape your body. By understanding why these changes happen and following a strategic plan—including strength training, nutrition, non-surgical treatments, and professional guidance—you can work towards a physique that makes you proud of your weight loss journey. Genesis Lifestyle Medicine is here to support you every step of the way with tailored treatments to help you feel your best from the inside out.