Among the various side effects emerging from weight-loss injections, one stands out for its peculiarity—introducing what’s now being dubbed as ‘Mounjaro feet.’
For some individuals, shedding those unwanted pounds and dropping a dress size come with an unexpected price: the onset of painful foot issues.
Jatender Chaggar, a leading foot health practitioner at the Foot-Map clinic, reports a notable four percent uptick in cases. These patients are experiencing significant ‘foot fat’ depletion as a consequence of using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Imagine the cushion of fat on the sole of your foot deflating, akin to letting air out of a tire, which increases stress on the balls of the feet and toes.
While concrete evidence linking GLP-1 medications to direct foot ailments is lacking, the sweeping physical transformations that accompany major weight loss—such as diminished cushioning from fat pads, shifts in muscle tone, and altered pressure distribution—can indeed contribute to discomfort and increased stress on particular foot zones.
So if you’ve lost weight on the shots and are struggling in your mules this summer, that might be why.
This loss of padding can also be exacerbated by hormonal shifts in menopause and reduced collagen from aging. Leading podiatrist Margaret Dabbs warns: ‘As we age, the fat pads in our feet can migrate and become thinner and GLP-1s may potentially reduce soft tissue support further. This natural cushioning normally helps absorb impact when walking and supports the foot structure.’
Which is why many of us – particularly when wearing high heels – find it more tiring being on our feet as we get older.
‘Ozempic feet’ are surprisingly common; fat loss on the sole of the foot causes more pressure on the ball and toes, meaning walking in heels can be especially painful for those suffering it
Leading podiatrist and brand founder Margaret Dabbs says the natural cushioning in our feet becomes thinner with ageing, but custom shoe inserts or foot creams can help
So, what is the best way to ease Mounjaro or Meno Foot without resigning yourself to a life of slippers? Here’s what our experts advise…
1. Get support
Dabbs says, ‘There is not just one cause of heel or metatarsal pain [a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot], and your first step should be to book an appointment with a podiatrist for a full diagnostic assessment.’
Custom orthotics – specially made shoe inserts designed to support the foot and provide shock absorption – are also worth investing in.
2. Fill your feet
‘The plantar fat pads act as shock absorbers,’ says Dr Manav Bawa, medical director of Time Clinic. ‘So when that cushioning reduces, patients may experience increased pressure in the heel and forefoot, tenderness on hard surfaces, or a sensation that their feet tire more quickly.
‘In some cases, it can even unmask or worsen underlying issues such as metatarsalgia [pain in the ball of the foot] or plantar fasciitis [stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel linked to repetitive strain].’
Dermal filler, such as Juvéderm, can replace cushioning. Often known as a ‘Loub Job’ – a phrase inspired by Christian Louboutin heels – filler is injected into the heel and ball of the foot to improve shock absorption. The results can last six to 12 months, with maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
Filler in the feet must be administered conservatively by an injector with strong anatomical knowledge, says aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter, ‘because the tissues are thinner and there are important blood vessels and structures that can be at risk if product is placed incorrectly.’
She adds: ‘It’s also important to understand that addressing volume loss doesn’t change the underlying cause, so maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive footwear is just as important.’
Chaggar recommends supportive running shoes such as the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 ($165) or Metaspeed Sky Tokyo ($270).
Foot exercises, including using a resistance band, can reduce stiffness and increase strength
3. Keep fit
To ease ‘Mounjaro feet’, Dabbs recommends foot exercises twice a day. These reduce stiffness, improve circulation, maintain joint flexibility and strength. Try ten reps for each foot, which only takes three to five minutes.
- Toe raises/heel raises: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift your heels off the ground, balancing on your toes for three seconds, then lower.
- Toe curls: Sit on a chair, place a towel on the floor, and try to scrunch it toward you with your toes. Hold the position for three seconds then relax.
- Ankle circles: Sit or lie down. Lift one foot and slowly rotate the ankle clockwise, then counterclockwise.
- Heel-to-toe walking: Walk in a straight line, placing your heel directly in front of the toes of the other foot each step.
- Resistance band exercises: Loop a resistance band around the ball of your foot. Push your foot away (plantarflexion) or pull it toward you (dorsiflexion).
- Calf stretch/Achilles stretch: Stand facing a wall, one foot behind the other, heel on the ground. Lean forward to stretch the back leg. Hold for five seconds and then alternate.
For some, the weight loss of dropping down a dress size also sees them develop painful foot conditions
4. Cream matters
‘Skin on our feet is 15 times thicker than on other parts of the body, which is why foot cream is recommended,’ says Dabbs.
‘Applying it with a short massage helps circulation, bringing nutrients to the area and relieving muscle tension.’
Pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez says fat pads can be plumped with massage.
Try Margaret Dabbs London Miracle Foot Cream, The Body Shop Peppermint Invigorating Foot Cream and Révérence de Bastien Le Baume.
5. Audit your socks
‘When fat pads thin out, the nerves on top of the foot become hypersensitive,’ points out Chaggar.
‘Switch to seamless, moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and prevent the burning sensations (paresthesia) often triggered by fabric rubbing against the skin.’
Try bamboo ankle socks to help minimize friction and irritation.