Doctors and podiatrists are reporting a rise in "Mounjaro feet," a painful foot condition linked to rapid weight loss from GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro.
Jatender Chaggar, senior foot health practitioner at the Foot-Map clinic, says he has seen a four percent increase in patients experiencing rapid "foot fat" loss due to GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
The fat loss on the sole of the foot works like an inflatable being slowly let down, resulting in more pressure on the ball and toes.
There is no strong evidence that GLP-1 medications directly cause foot problems. But the physical changes associated with major weight loss, including a reduction of naturally cushioning fat pads, changes in muscle mass, gait and pressure distribution, may result in stress and pain on certain areas of the foot.
The loss of padding can also be worsened by hormonal shifts during menopause and reduced collagen from ageing. Leading podiatrist Margaret Dabbs said: "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."
Getting support for foot pain
Dabbs said there is not just one cause of heel or metatarsal pain, a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot, and the 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.
Replacing lost fat pads
Dr Manav Bawa, medical director of Time Clinic, said the plantar fat pads act as shock absorbers, 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. He said it can even unmask or worsen underlying issues such as metatarsalgia, pain in the ball of the foot, or plantar fasciitis, a stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel linked to repetitive strain.
Dermal filler, such as Juvéderm, can replace lost 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.
Aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter said filler in the feet must be administered conservatively by an injector with strong anatomical knowledge, because the tissues are thinner and there are important blood vessels and structures that can be at risk if product is placed incorrectly. She added that addressing volume loss does not 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, priced at $165, or the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, priced at $270.
Exercises to keep feet strong
Dabbs recommends foot exercises twice a day to ease "Mounjaro feet." These reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and maintain joint flexibility and strength, with ten reps for each foot taking three to five minutes.
- Toe raises/heel raises: stand with feet hip-width apart, slowly lift the heels off the ground, balance on the toes for three seconds, then lower.
- Toe curls: sit on a chair, place a towel on the floor, and scrunch it toward you with your toes, holding for three seconds.
- 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 the heel directly in front of the toes of the other foot with each step.
- Resistance band exercises: loop a resistance band around the ball of the foot and push the foot away or pull it toward you.
- Calf stretch/Achilles stretch: stand facing a wall, one foot behind the other, heel on the ground, and lean forward to stretch the back leg for five seconds before alternating.
Creams and socks that help
Dabbs said skin on the feet is 15 times thicker than on other parts of the body, which is why foot cream is recommended, and that applying it with a short massage helps circulation, bringing nutrients to the area and relieving muscle tension.
Pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez said fat pads can be plumped with massage. Recommended products include Margaret Dabbs London Miracle Foot Cream, The Body Shop Peppermint Invigorating Foot Cream and Révérence de Bastien Le Baume.
Chaggar said that when fat pads thin out, the nerves on top of the foot become hypersensitive. He advised switching to seamless, moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and prevent the burning sensations, known as paresthesia, often triggered by fabric rubbing against the skin, recommending bamboo ankle socks to help minimise friction and irritation.
