Obesity, Diabetes: More Than One in Two Patients on GLP-1 Therapy Seeks Treatment for Hair Loss: Laboratoires Ducray Presents the Results of the SCOP-GLP1 Survey at the European Congress of Dermatology

Conducted among 5,804 participants in France, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, the SCOP-GLP1 study compares hair, nail, skin, and oral manifestations reported by patients treated with GLP-1 to those in unexposed groups. Its results highlight the need to provide better support for patients, particularly in the management of obesity, in order to preserve their quality of life and encourage them to continue their treatment.

This study was conducted with the contribution of Dr. B. Halioua, a dermatologist; Dr. Maria Bianca Piraccini and Dr. Vañó Galván, dermatologists specializing in trichology; and Dr. C. Taieb, a physician and director of European Market Maintenance Assessment (EMMA), and with the assistance of Ms. Joly, president of the National Collective of Obesity Associations (CNAO).

In 2022, 890 million adults worldwide were living with obesity,  representing 16% of the adult population, according to the World Health Organization¹⁻² (WHO), and this number is projected to reach nearly one million by 2030. In 2022, diabetes affected 830 million people, compared to 200 million in 1990. These figures illustrate the scale of metabolic diseases and the importance of better understanding their dermatological manifestations to support their management.

• 65.2% of patients on GLP-1 reported hair loss, compared with 35.3% of control patients who already had metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity) — representing a 3.4-fold increased risk

• Key finding: This hair loss rarely occurs in isolation. In 59.7% of cases, it is accompanied by inflammatory symptoms of the scalp (itching, redness, flaking), compared with only 26% in the control group — a fourfold increased risk.
• It occurs early, 2 to 4 months after the start of treatment, a pattern consistent with diffuse telogen effluvium.
• Practical implication: 53.9% of patients on GLP-1 have sought medical care for their hair, compared with only 26.5% in the reference group — that is, more than 1 in 2 patients, the highest rate of healthcare utilization among the four areas studied.

Itching, redness, and flaking frequently accompany hair loss. The main hypothesis put forward is nutritional: by reducing dietary intake, the treatment could contribute to deficiencies that may affect the hair follicle. These observations underscore the importance of examining the scalp beyond hair loss alone, in order to identify associated signs and tailor treatment accordingly.

• 66.3% of patients treated with GLP-1 reported a nail disorder, including onycholysis (nail detachment), which was 4.5 times more common (39.3% vs. 8.7%),
• and dyschromia (color change), which was 2.7 times more common (45.6% vs. 17%).

As with hair, these abnormalities — which are sensitive to nutritional deficiencies — should be evaluated within the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture rather than automatically attributed to treatment.

In cases of reactive hair loss, such as that observed in patients on GLP-1, which is often associated with signs of scalp inflammation,  as well as in cases of brittle nails, targeted dermo-cosmetic support from the very first signs is essential, in addition to medical follow-up.

Beyond visible signs, these symptoms can take a toll on well-being and social relationships. In the SCOP-GLP1 survey, 26% of GLP-1 users reported a significant impact on their mood related to their appearance, compared to about 11% in the other groups. More than a quarter also reported that their social relationships were affected or that they resorted to camouflage through hairstyles, makeup, or clothing.

These effects can also jeopardize continued treatment: more than 60% of GLP-1 users reported having considered changing or stopping their treatment due to these symptoms. This underscores the importance of addressing these challenges during medical follow-up and offering appropriate support.

The results of the SCOP-GLP1 study underscore the importance of addressing skin, hair, nail, and oral manifestations in the follow-up of patients on GLP-1 therapy. Beyond the visible signs, their impact on self-image and social relationships deserves to be acknowledged, particularly when it leads patients to consider changing or discontinuing their treatment. This survey is part of a patient-centered care approach: better understanding the challenges patients face in order to help healthcare professionals identify them and offer appropriate support, in addition to managing the metabolic condition.

The goal is to enable patients to discuss these symptoms and receive support that takes their quality of life into account throughout their treatment.

SCOP-GLP1—Skin & COllateral adverse events Profile with GLP-1 — is an international, observational, cross-sectional survey conducted using a structured questionnaire. It includes 575 patients treated with GLP-1, 1,329 unexposed control patients with type 2 diabetes and/or overweight according to the study criteria, and 3,900 reference participants without diabetes, obesity, or GLP-1 treatment. The results for patients on GLP-1 apply to the entire treated group, across all indications; they are not specific to patients treated solely for obesity. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the timeline, mechanisms, and progression of the reported events. Healthcare professionals can access the full results of the SCOP-GLP1 study on the platform dedicated to healthcare professionals: https://fr.pierrefabreformed.com. Selected by the EADV Scientific Committee to be featured in an official press release, this topic highlights a major issue for the dermatology community.

Since 1930, Laboratoires Dermatologiques Ducray, a brand of Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, has established itself as a pioneer in supportive care. Its mission is to develop therapeutic solutions manufactured in France for skin and scalp conditions, while maximizing treatment adherence. Present in 74 countries, the Ducray brand collaborates with global experts to offer treatments that complement or serve as a bridge to prescription medications. Its goal is to free patients from the constraints of psoriasis, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema. The brand is committed to responsible dermocosmetics and demonstrates its effectiveness through data, with nearly 100 clinical studies conducted annually. Ducray stands out for its use of cutting-edge active ingredients derived from Pierre Fabre research, such as Myrtacine®, Célastrol®, and Védérine®. Whether treating dandruff or severe skin conditions, Ducray guarantees high efficacy and complete safety under dermatological supervision. Ducray, pioneering science.

For more information, visit www.ducray.com