GLP-1 Drugs May Help Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients with Obesity | Research

The takeaway

A narrative review finds emerging evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve hidradenitis suppurativa outcomes in overweight/obese patients through weight loss and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dual benefit potential
GLP-1 RAs may address both obesity and HS through weight loss and anti-inflammatory effects

What the researchers found

Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1 RAs may improve HS outcomes in obese patients through combined weight reduction and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Why it matters

HS is debilitating and obesity worsens it significantly. If GLP-1 RAs can address both obesity and HS simultaneously, this could improve quality of life for a poorly served patient population.

How the study worked

Narrative review synthesizing available human evidence on incretin-based therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa.

What this study cannot tell us

Narrative review based on limited human evidence; no large RCTs of GLP-1 RAs specifically for HS outcomes.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review of limited human evidence — hypothesis-generating but insufficient for firm clinical recommendations.

When this study was published

Published 2026 in International Journal of Dermatology. Reflects very early evidence.

The bigger picture

This exemplifies the expanding recognition that GLP-1 RAs may benefit inflammatory conditions beyond their metabolic indications, driven by weight loss and direct anti-inflammatory effects.

Questions still open

Will dedicated clinical trials test GLP-1 RAs for HS outcomes?
Is the HS benefit primarily from weight loss or from direct anti-inflammatory GLP-1 receptor effects?

Common questions

What is hidradenitis suppurativa?

HS is a chronic skin condition causing painful, recurring lumps and abscesses, typically in areas where skin rubs together. It's strongly associated with obesity and metabolic problems.

Can weight loss drugs help skin conditions?

Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1 medications may improve HS through both weight reduction and anti-inflammatory effects, though this is still being studied.

Read the original research

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjunctive Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Overweight/Obesity: A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes.

International journal of dermatology

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Almukhadeb, Eman; Nagshabandi, Khalid Nabil; Alshehri, Naif; Alosaimi, Khalid; Almusa, Hala Abdullah; Almudimeegh, Almuntsrbellah. (2026). Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjunctive Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Overweight/Obesity: A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes.. International journal of dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.70346