Skin manifestations associated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use for weight loss: A cross-sectional analysis

Authors

  • Yahya Argobi King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Norah Saad Jadaan King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
  • Hind Bader Alshalood Majmaah University, Al MajmaahM, Saudi Arabia
  • Manar Saleh Alyousef King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
  • Ghaid Mohammed Alotaibi King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia
  • Hussain Sami Alwesaibie Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammad Abdulkarim Alduheim Hail University, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3221

Keywords:

GLP-1 receptor agonists, skin manifestations, cutaneous side effects, weight loss therapy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda, dermatologic reactions.

Abstract

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have become widely used for weight loss, but their cutaneous side effects are still underreported.   Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of skin manifestations associated with GLP-1 RA use for weight loss.   Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to April 2024 at three tertiary care centers in Saudi Arabia. A total of 254 adult participants using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Saxenda) for weight loss were enrolled. Participants with pre-existing dermatologic conditions or systemic illnesses affecting the skin were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.   Results Out of the 254 participants, 102 (40.2%) reported at least one skin-related side effect. The most common was dry skin (21.2%), followed by itching (8.6%) and erythema (3.9%). Mounjaro users experienced dry skin and itching, while Saxenda users had the highest rate of combined symptoms. No statistically significant differences were found between the drug types in terms of overall skin reaction rates.   Conclusion Skin manifestations are common among GLP-1 RA users, with dry skin and itching being the most common reports. Although usually mild, these effects underscore the importance of clinician awareness and potential dermatologic evaluation as part of comprehensive patient care.  

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Argobi Y, Saad Jadaan N, Bader Alshalood H, Saleh Alyousef M, Mohammed Alotaibi G, Sami Alwesaibie H, Abdulkarim Alduheim M. Skin manifestations associated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use for weight loss: A cross-sectional analysis. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2026Mar.31 [cited 2026Mar.31];36(1):3-9. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/3221

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 1 (2026): January-March

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Original Articles

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