Unexpected Effects of Weight Loss Injections on the Skin

A recent report indicated that users of weight-control injections, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zybound, are more likely to develop acne.

Researchers matched data from more than 162,000 users of GLP-1-like weight-loss injections—three-quarters of whom were women—with people who did not take these medications.

Acne

Users of GLP-1-like drugs, such as Ozempic and its sister drugs, were 34% more likely to develop acne within a year, according to Freewell Health.

In a retrospective study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the research team analyzed the incidence of common acne among obese people without diabetes who were prescribed Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zybound.

Effects on Women

The effect was more pronounced in women, who were 53% more likely to develop acne than men.

Men who used the GLP-1 drug were no more likely to develop acne than those who did not.

However, these findings remain preliminary, given that the average age of the women in the study was 47, which is well into the hormonal changes associated with menopause.

The study was conducted by Dr. Stan Tolkashev, an assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern, a renowned dermatologic surgeon and founder and director of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited Microsurgery and Cutaneous Oncology Fellowship.

Contrary to expectations, Tolkashev and his team noted social media posts and increasing reports from other dermatologists that their patients experienced more flare-ups after starting the drugs.

"Most patients, especially those receiving weight loss treatment, want to improve how they look and feel. They also may not want acne, which can cause scarring," Tolkashev said.

"The results are surprising," Tolkashev added.

Result Interpretation

To explain this unexpected finding, Dr. Anthony Rossi, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, suggested that GLP-1 medications improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent acne.

He added, "Acne flare-ups are likely related to short-term fluctuations in hormones, insulin sensitivity, and other factors as the body adjusts to the medications. Sometimes, extreme dieting and rapid weight loss can trigger acne and other skin health problems due to hormonal imbalance."