More than a million Brits are using weight-loss injections to shed pounds, but users are being warned to watch for changes in their legs. While the medication comes with well-known side effects such as diarrhoea and fatigue, some are discovering another result: visible varicose veins.
Expert Explains the Link
Dr Mark Regi, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at VeinCentre, explained that the jabs themselves do not cause vein issues. “The medication itself does not cause varicose veins but weight loss can make existing veins much more visible,” he said. “When someone loses a significant amount of weight, particularly quickly, they lose some of the layer of fat that sits under the skin. That can make veins that were already enlarged or under pressure more prominent. For some people, this is the first time they may notice they have an underlying vein problem.”
Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins affect one in three people. The condition causes swollen, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs when the valves inside the veins weaken or become damaged. This leads to blood pooling rather than flowing efficiently back to the heart, causing symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, or visible bulging veins.
“Anyone who has suffered from obesity might associate symptoms such as aching, tired legs with their weight but then when they slim down, they notice that their legs are still feeling heavy,” Dr Regi added. “What we're often seeing is not new varicose veins appearing overnight, but veins that were already present becoming easier to see. The weight loss can essentially reveal a condition that was previously hidden beneath a thicker layer of fatty tissue.”
Growing Popularity of Weight-Loss Jabs
The growing popularity of medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide has helped many achieve significant weight loss in a short period. While this brings numerous health benefits, the physical changes can also draw attention to previously unnoticed features of the body.
Dr Regi advised people not to panic if they spot more visible veins after losing weight. “These are not a cause for concern,” he said. “However, if the veins are bulging, uncomfortable, swelling and disrupting your daily life, it’s worth seeing medical advice. The earlier vein problems are identified, the easier this to manage.”
Treatment Options Available
There are many treatment options for varicose veins, including non-invasive laser ablation, which can even be carried out on your lunch hour. “No one needs to live with the discomfort of varicose veins,” Dr Regi said. “Losing weight can alleviate some of the pressure on your legs, sometimes reducing the impact of symptoms but the risks associated with varicose veins are still present. This includes increased risks of leg ulcers and blood clots, so treatment is often the safest course of action.”
