Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders, demonstrating significant efficacy in weight reduction. However, rapid weight loss may lead to aesthetic concerns, including decreased skin firmness and loss of dermal support. As the use of GLP-1 therapies expands globally, the dermatological and aesthetic implications of pharmacologically induced weight loss are becoming increasingly relevant.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between GLP-1–induced weight loss and skin firmness and to explore the role of aesthetic medicine in preserving dermal integrity during metabolic weight reduction.
Methods: A narrative review of current scientific literature was conducted focusing on GLP-1 receptor agonists, weight-loss physiology, adipose tissue metabolism, and dermal remodeling. Evidence from metabolic medicine and aesthetic dermatology was analyzed to evaluate the impact of weight loss on skin quality.
Results: GLP-1 receptor agonists promote weight loss primarily through appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and improved metabolic regulation. The reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue may decrease structural support for the dermis, potentially contributing to facial volume loss and skin laxity. Preventive aesthetic strategies aimed at stimulating collagen production and improving dermal remodeling may help preserve skin firmness during weight reduction.
Conclusion: The integration of metabolic therapies with aesthetic medicine represents an emerging interdisciplinary approach. Proactive dermal preservation strategies may optimize both metabolic outcomes and aesthetic results in patients undergoing GLP-1-induced weight loss.