GLP-1 medications have made headlines for their impressive ability to help patients lose weight. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, lower blood sugar, and other blood sugar-related health conditions, GLP-1 agonists are now commonly prescribed for weight loss—and they’re often very effective. However, many people are surprised to notice unexpected changes in their appearance as they slim down, one of the most common side effects being loose, sagging skin.
Understanding GLP1s & Their Side Effects
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin production and slowing down gastric emptying. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone, helping people feel full longer and reducing food intake.
While these effects are generally beneficial, rapid and substantial weight loss can lead to side effects such as sagging or lax skin, which is most prevalent in areas like the face, neck, upper arms, abdomen, and thighs.
How GLP-1s Work for Enhanced Weight Management
GLP-1s slow the rate at which the stomach empties food and may influence hunger-related signals in the brain. Combined, these and other side effects help people consume fewer calories and burn through stored fat. Over time, this leads to significant weight loss.
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) lead to weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite, insulin secretion, and digestion. These medications work by slowing down how quickly the stomach empties food, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing hunger signals in the brain. As a result, people tend to eat less and feel satisfied with smaller portions. Over time, this reduced calorie intake promotes steady fat loss, often leading to significant weight reduction, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
The Biology of Skin and Elasticity
To understand skin laxity, it helps to understand what makes skin firm in the first place. The skin’s elasticity primarily comes from two proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structure and firmness, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape.
Although significant weight loss is not immediate, it is still a faster process than traditional diet and exercise. However, when patients lose weight quickly, the skin doesn’t always have time to adjust. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, and even chronic stress can accelerate this decline.
Additionally, as we age, our body naturally produces less collagen and elastin. If the collagen and elastin in the skin are already weakened, the skin is even less likely to “snap back” into place as the fat volume beneath it decreases.
How GLP-1 Agonists Impact Skin Health
The GLP-1 medications themselves don’t directly damage the skin, but the way they promote weight loss can lead to a decrease in skin volume. This “deflation” effect can exaggerate signs of aging and laxity. Additionally, there is growing speculation that very low-calorie intake while on GLP-1s may impact the body’s ability to maintain skin health; if the diet lacks enough protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients, collagen production may decline even further.
Rapid Weight Loss & Sagging Skin
Losing weight slowly gives the skin more time to adapt—but that’s not always how GLP-1s work. Patients often lose significant amounts of weight in a relatively short period, which can lead to:
- Jowling or volume loss in the face
- Crepey excess skin on the neck and chest
- Loose skin on the upper arms, stomach, or thighs
- A more tired or aged appearance
The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Rapid Weight Loss
The goal of weight loss is to feel better, healthier, more confident, and more energized. But when the mirror reflects loose or sagging skin, the emotional response can be complicated. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings; skin laxity is a very real aspect of the post-weight loss journey, and it’s perfectly normal to seek solutions that restore both your confidence and appearance.
Support for Skin Laxity After GLP-1 Agonists
If you’ve noticed changes in your skin after GLP-1 use, there are advanced treatments that can help restore firmness and contour. At Keller Aesthetics, expert medical esthetician Travis Keller offers a range of non-invasive and minimally invasive skin-tightening therapies designed to address skin laxity, including:
With advanced safety and efficacy, our aesthetic treatments work by boosting your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production, helping your skin regain firmness over time. Schedule a consultation with Travis to explore your options and get personalized financial advice on treating skin laxity after GLP-1 weight loss. You’ve worked hard to achieve your weight loss results—now let’s help your skin reflect that success.
