Ozempic Butt Is Real — Here’s How to Deal With It

The Ozempic craze has been accompanied by substantial media coverage surrounding Ozempic butt. Supposedly, it happens as a result of losing both fat and muscle, says Dr. Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com: “It’s not an official medical term,” she says, “But it’s used to describe this sagging appearance due to rapid weight loss from the weight loss medication.”

Because lots of people on prescription weight loss medications several patients have reported Ozempic butt, doctors are looking further into what causes it. Although Ozempic butt may not be a direct side effect of semaglutide medications, it’s simply associated with significant weight loss.

Dr. Edmond Hakimi, DO and director at Wellbridge explains the butt is a major target for fat loss, because it tends to store more fat than other parts of the body. That’s why it’s so significantly impacted by the medication: “Ozempic suppresses appetite and helps regulate blood sugar, leading to significant calorie deficits and fat loss,” he says.

“The phenomenon aligns with lipoatrophy, or fat loss, which can happen when you lose a lot of weight, especially in areas like the buttocks that store fat. This can result in loss in volume loss or sagging.”

It can even impact a Brazilian butt lift

While Ozempic butt generally refers to sagging of your natural butt, plastic surgeons report that Ozempic can even impact your Brazilian butt lift. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon Richland says this is because of the same thing: Fat loss. “Completely preventing Ozempic butt (even with a BBL) may not be possible,” he says. “But the effects can be reduced through gradual weight loss, strength training, building the gluteus maximus muscle, and staying well hydrated.”

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Similar to how certain people are more prone to Ozempic face, some are more susceptible to Ozempic butt. Dr. Hakimi largely says it’s contingent on your size and age: “Those with higher starting body fat may see more drastic changes as their fat distribution shifts during weight loss,” he says. “Age is another factor—older individuals tend to have less skin elasticity, which can make the loss of volume appear more pronounced.”

Fortunately, Ozempic butt isn’t a guaranteed side effect of GLP-1s. In fact, there are a few measures you can take to prevent your butt from sagging while using the medication for weight loss.

“While it can’t always be avoided entirely, building and maintaining muscle in the glutes through resistance exercises, like squats or hip thrusts, can help,” Dr. Hakimi explains. “Slower, more gradual weight loss may also minimize the appearance of volume loss. Staying active and incorporating strength training into your weight-loss routine is key.”

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Dr. Routhenstein says developing healthy habits will likely revive your rear end, naturally: “Rebuilding muscle through diet and exercise can improve appearance and help reverse Ozempic butt,” she says. Many people who suffer from nausea on Ozempic find that eating low fat, high protein cool and cold foods can help to keep protein intake up.

She particularly recommends “strength training, particularly squats.” Remember that the fat that might have been giving your butt its shape is gone (hopefully for good). Ideally, you’re replacing it with a more toned, athletic look.

Cosmetic surgery is an option for some people

If diet and exercise don’t yield the results you want or you want a fuller, rounder silhouette, cosmetic surgery may be an option. Some people also have medical conditions associated with being overweight (like osteoarthritis and other lower body injuries) that can complicate doing the knee-, ankle, and hip-intensive exercises that really target your butt.

Whatever the reason, your butt may not look the way it did before your weight loss without cosmetic surgery. If you’re thinking about this option, it’s vital to go to a licensed, reputable surgeon to minimize associated health and safety risks—and to discuss non-surgical options.

“Surgical options to fix Ozempic butt include fat grafting or Brazilian buttocks lift (BBL), buttocks implants, or buttocks lift,” Dr. Richland says. “Non surgical options include skin tightening with Morpheus8, other radiofrequency procedures, strength training and skin care.”

Even though Ozempic may result in a flat butt, it’s important to prioritize your healthy weight loss. Make a plan with your doctor or clinician to incorporate strength training with glute exercises, and concentrate on a healthy diet with lots of lean protein to maintain muscle mass and tone. Embrace your new, healthier look—including a slimmer behind. Whatever you do, make sure you’re working with a prescriber you can trust, stick to your diet and exercise plan, and ensure you’re doing what’s right for your body.