Weight loss jabs are being linked to ‘Ozempic butt’ — a new drug might stop it

Some people losing weight rapidly have experienced ‘Ozempic butt’ (Picture: Getty Images)

It’s no secret that there are several major pros and cons associated with using weight loss jabs like Ozempic or Mounjaro.

But the cons don’t seem to be putting Brits off, as a whopping 1.6 million used GLP-1s last year.

Some of those will likely have experienced unpleasant side effects, with everything from nausea to vision changes listed as risks of taking the medications.

And recently, another unwanted consequence has come to light, and it’s been dubbed ‘Ozempic butt’. 

Here’s everything you need to know about it…

What is Ozempic butt?

It’s not a direct result of using the jabs, but it’s a side effect of rapid weight loss
(Picture: Shutterstock / Marc Bruxelle)

‘Ozempic butt is a term that has emerged to describe the loss of volume or a flatter appearance of the buttocks that some people notice after significant weight loss while taking medications such as Wegovy or Mounjaro,’ Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, tells Metro.

Despite the name, it’s worth noting that this isn’t actually a direct side effect of the drug itself, but rather a consequence of rapidly losing weight. 

Dr Suzanne continues: ‘When people lose a substantial amount of weight, they typically lose both fat and some muscle mass, and this can alter body shape, including around the buttocks.’

Because of this, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says they’ve seen a ‘noticeable uptick’ in procedures related to ‘restoring shape to the lower regions of the body’.

However, it’s not just the buttocks where this loss of muscle can occur in the body. 

Studies have suggested that 25 to 40% of weight loss in those taking the likes of Ozempic and Mounjaro is actually down to a reduction in lean body mass – including muscle. 

Muscles are important for strength and overall health (Picture: Getty Images)

Why might this be an issue?

While some might want to resolve the issue with plastic surgery, Dr Suzanne says the biggest concern is for overall health.

‘Muscle plays an important role in strength, mobility, and overall health, so we want people to preserve as much muscle as possible while losing excess body fat,’ the expert explains.

‘The best way to do this is through regular resistance exercise, such as weight training, squats, lunges, or other strength-based activities, alongside eating enough protein.’

The NHS recommends that adults complete muscle-strengthening exercises that work all the body’s major muscle groups at least twice a week.

This could include stair climbing, chair-based exercises, and even heavy gardening, e.g. digging and pushing a lawn mower.

If you’re concerned, check with your GP or an exercise specialist to ensure you’re starting at an appropriate exercise level for your ability.

Could a new drug help?

A new drug that helps promote muscle growth is currently being tested in clinical trials, and it’s been suggested that it could help those taking GLP-1s avoid muscle loss.

The medication, which is given into a vein as an infusion, is known as apitegromab, and it works by blocking myostatin – the protein that is involved in breaking down muscles.

In a trial of 102 participants (mostly women), 51 were given apitegromab and tirzepatide, while the other 51 took tirzepatide and a placebo, for 24 weeks.

At the end of the study, those who had been given apitegromab were found to have lost 1.63kg of lean mass, while those taking the placebo lost 3.5kg of lean mass.

Researchers have said the findings so far have been ‘promising’, but more evidence is needed to check safety and long-term health outcomes.

Apitegromab is also being explored as a potential treatment for other health conditions that impact muscles, such as spinal muscular atrophy.

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