Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1s Take Aim at Inflammation in Psoriasis and HS

At Dermatology Week 2025, Brittany Weber, MD, PhD, offered an insightful look into the growing intersection of cardiology, dermatology, and obesity care in her session titled “Obesity and Use of GLP-1 Agonists in Dermatology.”

Dr Weber made a compelling case for why obesity management belongs on dermatologists’ radar, especially in conditions like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

“Obesity is not just a comorbidity; it’s part of the inflammatory picture,” she said.

Dr Weber reviewed key studies linking psoriasis and HS to increased cardiovascular risk, noting shared drivers, such as chronic systemic inflammation; adipokine dysregulation; and elevated IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-17 levels. Both diseases, she emphasized, carry higher rates of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

She then turned to the rising use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which not only promote weight loss but also reduce cardiovascular events. In the landmark SELECT trial, semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiac events by 20% in adults who were overweight without diabetes.

“These agents are now part of guideline-directed therapy in cardiology, even for non-diabetics,” she noted.

But the implications for dermatology are just beginning. While data remain limited, small studies and case reports suggest that GLP-1 agonists may improve disease severity in psoriasis and HS, potentially through both metabolic and direct anti-inflammatory effects. Larger clinical trials, including the TOGETHER study for psoriatic arthritis, are underway.

Dr Weber also offered practical prescribing tips, including patient selection, managing side effects like nausea or constipation, and setting expectations. “Start low and go slow,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of patient education and monitoring.

GLP-1 therapies may soon play a broader role in managing inflammatory skin disease, particularly for patients with obesity or cardiovascular risk.

“The opportunity here is tremendous,” Dr Weber said. “But dermatologists and cardiologists need to work together to unlock it.”

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Reference
Weber B. Obesity and use of GLP-1 agonists in dermatology. Presented at: Dermatology Week; May 14–16, October 22–25, 2025; Virtual.