HS & Obesity: GLP-1 RA Benefits
- Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are showing promise in treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to a recent study.the research, which surveyed 22 patients, found that over...
- The study, led by Radhika Gupta, BA, from the University of Pennsylvania, involved a cross-sectional survey of adults treated with GLP-1 RAs between January 2019 adn August 2024.
- The GLP-1 RAs prescribed included semaglutide (40.9%),tirzepatide (36.4%), dulaglutide (18.2%), and liraglutide (4.5%), with patients undergoing treatment for an average of 17 months.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are offering a beacon of hope for hidradenitis suppur ativa (HS) patients.A compelling new study reveals that over two-thirds of patients experienced symptom improvements and nearly 80% saw weight loss. The research highlights the potential of these medications in managing HS, especially given the high prevalence of obesity in this population. Patients reported fewer flares, reduced pain, and decreased drainage. News Directory 3 reported that nearly 60% would recommend the treatment to others. Even though side effects were noted in some, the benefits appear ample. Further research is already underway to solidify these findings and establish clear clinical guidelines. Discover what’s next in the treatment of this challenging condition
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Show promise for hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms
Updated june 5, 2025
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are showing promise in treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to a recent study.the research, which surveyed 22 patients, found that over two-thirds reported improvements in their symptoms after using the medication.
The study, led by Radhika Gupta, BA, from the University of Pennsylvania, involved a cross-sectional survey of adults treated with GLP-1 RAs between January 2019 adn August 2024. The participants, predominantly women (90.9%) with an average age of 45, were primarily non-Hispanic (90.9%),with 54.5% identifying as Black and 36.4% as White. A critically important majority (89.5%) were classified as overweight or obese.
The GLP-1 RAs prescribed included semaglutide (40.9%),tirzepatide (36.4%), dulaglutide (18.2%), and liraglutide (4.5%), with patients undergoing treatment for an average of 17 months. Researchers then assessed HS severity and quality of life.
The findings indicated that most patients (77.3%) experienced an average weight loss of 31 pounds. Furthermore,68.2% reported improvements in their HS-specific health, while the remaining 31.8% saw no change. Patients noted reduced flares (61.9%), fewer new lesions (66.7%), and less pain (52.4%), drainage (61.9%), itch (47.6%), and odor (42.9%).
Some patients experienced side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, headaches, menstrual spotting, and appetite suppression. However, nearly 60% reported that HS had less impact on their daily activities, and the same percentage said they would recommend GLP-1 RAs to others.
“These data suggest GLP-1 RAs may play an significant adjunctive role in the treatment of HS, particularly given the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the HS population,” the study authors wrote.
The authors also emphasized the need for further research.
“Randomized controlled studies with robust patient and dermatologist-reported endpoints are needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical guidelines for use of GLP-1 RAs in HS.”
What’s next
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical guidelines for the use of GLP-1 RAs in treating hidradenitis suppurativa. Researchers suggest randomized controlled trials with thorough patient and dermatologist assessments to solidify these initial observations.