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GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication use and self-reported outcomes in individuals with lipedema: Results from a large online survey

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication use and self-reported outcomes in individuals with lipedema: Results from a large online survey
Abstract
Background Lipedema is a chronic medical condition primarily affecting women, characterized by bilateral, symmetrical, disproportionate fat deposition in the lower limbs, and sometimes arms and lower trunk. Pharmacological interventions remain limited, but glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GLP-1/GIP RAs) could provide potential therapeutic benefit due to their effects on weight, metabolism, pain, and inflammation. Methods This was a cross-sectional, patient-reported online survey study comparing self-reported lipedema symptom severity, medication use history, and physical and mental health outcomes across three groups of women with lipedema stratified by GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication use status (current users, discontinued users, and never-users). The survey captured demographics, lipedema characteristics, medication use history, and intensity of lipedema symptoms. Additionally, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health-10 (PROMIS-10) instrument was used to assess physical and mental health. Analyses compared current users, discontinued users, and never-users of GLP-1/GIP RA medications. Results Of 2852 respondents, 2719 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Most participants (99.7%) identified as female, with a mean age of 52.4 years. Approximately 55% were current GLP-1/GIP RA users, most commonly taking tirzepatide. The primary reported reason for medication use was weight management (67.2%), followed by lipedema symptom management (19.3%). PROMIS-10 scores demonstrated higher physical and mental health ratings among current users compared with never-users (median Global Physical Health (GPH): 42.3 vs. 39.1; Global Mental Health (GMH): 44.9 vs. 40.8). Participants recalled improvements in both general health and lipedema symptoms after starting medication. Symptom severity scores for pain, swelling, and functional limitation were consistently lower among current users. Conclusions Self-reported participant responses indicated improved health and symptom severity while using GLP-1/GIP RA medication. These findings support further investigation of GLP-1/GIP RA medications as potential therapeutic options for lipedema.
Publication
Obesity Pillars
Publisher
Lipedema Foundation
Date
2026-09-01
Volume
19
Pages
100316
Journal Abbr
Obesity Pillars
Accessed
8/17/26, 7:52 PM
ISSN
2667-3681
Short Title
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication use and self-reported outcomes in individuals with lipedema
Library Catalog
ScienceDirect
Citation
Srinivasan, A., Kartt, J., Daftuar, F., Harmacek, L. D., Samouhos, E., Galia, S., Heil, S., Clark, E., Mascio, C., & Cochrane, J. C. (2026). GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication use and self-reported outcomes in individuals with lipedema: Results from a large online survey. Obesity Pillars, 19, 100316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2026.100316
Topic