08/25/2026
GLP-1 medications can most certainly improve health and for some patients, even improve inflammatory or hormonally influenced skin conditions.
But this new study of 1,226 patients also found a very clear tradeoff: the greater the percentage of body weight lost, the more frequently patients reported skin sagging, facial volume loss, hair shedding and reduced strength.
Among those who lost more than 20% of their body weight, 72% reported skin sagging, 52% hair loss, 50% decreased facial volume and 33% reduced strength.
This does not prove that GLP-1 medications directly destroy collagen or elastin. The study was based on patient-reported outcomes, did not measure collagen or elastin, and did not collect the rate of weight loss. Similar changes have long been seen after substantial weight loss from other causes.
But it does reinforce something we feel strongly about: we should not wait until the hair is shedding, the muscle is gone or the face has significantly deflated to begin the conversation.
Medical weight management should include a plan for protein, resistance training, nutrition, hydration, hair health, skin quality, facial volume and muscle preservation from the beginning.
The goal is not to discourage medically appropriate weight loss. It is to help patients experience the health benefits while anticipating, and managing the changes that may come with it.
Because success should never be measured by the scale alone 🌱
Study: Rao S, et al. Skin Impacts and Tradeoffs of GLP-1 Therapy: Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes of Inflammatory Skin Disease in the Era of “Ozempic Face.” Dermatology and Therapy. 2026. Read the paper
