Dermatological, Trichological and Quality of Life Consequences of GLP ‐1 Receptor Agonist‐Mediated Weight Loss: A US Cross‐Sectional Survey

Background Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs), including dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GLP‐1/GIP) receptor agonists, have revolutionized obesity management, resulting in significant medication‐driven weight loss (MDWL). Despite widespread reporting, the dermatological consequences of MDWL, including skin laxity and hair loss, remain poorly characterized in real‐world populations. Aims To quantify the prevalence, onset, and phenotypic characteristics of skin and hair changes during MDWL with GLP‐1 and dual GLP‐1/GIP receptor agonists, and to evaluate patient‐reported treatment satisfaction and health‐related quality of life. Methods A single‐center, cross‐sectional survey was administered between June 20 and July 15, 2025. A total of 504 adults who were using GLP‐1 RA or dual GLP‐1/GIP RA medications completed a 55‐item HIPAA‐compliant electronic questionnaire capturing demographics, medication history, weight loss, cutaneous and/or trichological changes, treatment satisfaction, and psychological well‐being. Results The cohort was predominantly female (89.9%), with a mean age of 52.8 ± 11.2 years and a mean pre‐treatment BMI of 37.5 ± 8.1. Skin changes were reported by 38.7% of respondents, characterized primarily by facial volume loss (10.9%), sagging (8.3%), and jowling (7.7%). Onset occurred within the first 5 months of therapy for 55.1% of these participants. Skin changes correlated with age > 55 years and weight loss of > 20 lb/9.1 kg, with consistent prevalence across drug formulations. Hair changes were reported by 38.9% of the cohort, dominated by shedding (20.8%) and thinning (19.0%). Of those reporting shedding, 42.0% experienced onset despite being on treatment for only 1–3 months. Distinct racial phenotypes emerged in hair changes: White users frequently reported classic telogen effluvium‐type changes (shedding: 23.8%; thinning: 22.6%), whereas Black/African American users reported disproportionately higher rates of structural hair changes (dryness: 15.3%; breakage: 12.1%). Overall treatment satisfaction was exceptionally high at 92.0%, accompanied by significant improvements in body image (84.0%) and self‐confidence (68.5%). Conclusions Dermatological cutaneous and trichological changes are frequent, early‐onset consequences of MDWL that correlate with weight loss speed and magnitude, exhibiting distinct phenotypes across age and race/ethnicity. These findings highlight the need for personalized proactive integrative dermatological care models that should be initiated early and maintained through the weight loss medication journey.