Khaberni - Doctors report a significant increase in the number of patients seeking help for what is called "Uzbek feet," a painful side effect of substantial weight loss due to popular slimming injections.
According to a "Daily Mail" report, this condition refers to sagging and aging of the skin, and atrophy of the fat pad (loss of cushioning) in the feet resulting from rapid fat loss.
This condition joins a growing list of cosmetic issues associated with medications, including "Uzbek face" and "Uzbek buttocks".
Fat pad shrinkage
Experts say that as the fat pads on the soles of the feet and toes shrink, the pressure on the joints increases, making walking often uncomfortable.
Loss of fat also makes the skin looser and more wrinkled, resulting in premature aging of the feet.
Signs on the feet of celebrities
Fans have pointed out signs of this condition on celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey.
Dr. Bhavik Shah, a cosmetic specialist at the Dr. Medispa center, said: "We have seen a significant increase in the number of patients coming to us with this problem over the past 12 to 18 months."
Patients often complain of discomfort in the soles of their feet, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe pain while walking.
Pain and thinner skin
They may also notice pain around the bony parts of the feet, thinner and drier skin, and visible veins.
Dr. Shah explained that this problem is particularly common among those who have been specifically prescribed the injections, although their body weight, relative to height, is less than recommended.
He added: "In these cases, the impact of rapid fat loss is greater."
He continued: "Many patients do not connect their foot problems directly with the injections, and they may not mention their use of the medication to doctors."
Some foot pain may result from increased physical activity - an important part of the weight control process - which may initially increase the pressure on the feet.
What is the treatment for Uzbek foot?
According to Dr. Shah: "If the issue is purely cosmetic, such as skin sagging and feet appearing much older than their age without pain, we recommend collagen stimulators."
Collagen injections are designed to enhance the body's natural production of collagen - the protein that maintains skin cohesion, hydration, and elasticity. Increasing collagen levels may help counteract the visible effects of rapid fat loss.
Dermal fillers
However, if the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort, dermal fillers are necessary to replace lost fat and restore skin elasticity.
Dermal fillers for the feet are primarily made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance in the body that helps retain moisture and maintain skin elasticity.
These fillers are injected, according to Shah, under the skin to restore lost volume, provide flexibility, and compensate for the fat loss resulting from the injections.
The procedure may last up to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the condition of each individual.
"The key is stabilizing the patient's weight; otherwise, the results will not last, and treatment will need to be repeated,"
Shah explained that such procedures were common about a decade ago, when high heel shoes were popular.
