Medicina clinicaDec 3, 2023

Using Liraglutide to Treat Obesity in People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 21, 2026

Abstract

Liraglutide 3mg treatment resulted in a significant reduction in BMI from 39.3±6.2 to 35.6±5.8 in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and obesity.

Waist circumference decreased significantly from 121.3±19.2 cm to 110.6±18.1 cm.
Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) reduced from 4.5±2.2 mg/L to 3±2.1 mg/L.
Homocysteine levels decreased from 16.2±2.9 μmol/L to 13.3±3 μmol/L.
Plasma cortisol levels showed a significant reduction from 15.9±4.8 μg/dL to 12.6±4.5 μg/dL.
The severity of lesions, measured by the Hurley Staging System, improved from 2.6±0.5 to 1.1±0.3.
Quality of life, assessed with the Dermatology Quality Index (DLQI), improved from 12.3±2.8 to 9.7±6.9.

Simplified

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with obesity. Weight loss is frequently reflected in an amelioration in the severity of the lesions. Case reports have suggested that liraglutide might improve not only weight but also skin. We aimed to study the effects of liraglutide 3mg in patients with obesity and HS on metabolic and dermatological parameters.

METHODS: 14 patients started treatment with liraglutide for 3 months. Severity of the lesions was evaluated using the Hurley Staging System and quality of life with the DLQI (Dermatology Quality Index).

RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in BMI (39.3±6.2 vs 35.6±5.8; p=0.002), waist circumference (121.3±19.2 vs 110.6±18.1cm; p=0.01), CRP (4.5±2.2 vs 3±2.1mg/L; p=0.04), homocysteine (16.2±2.9 vs 13.3±3μmol/L; p=0.005) and plasma cortisol (15.9±4.8 vs 12.6±4.5μg/dL; p=0.007). Hurley (2.6±0.5 vs 1.1±0.3; p=0.002) and DLQI (12.3±2.8 vs 9.7±6.9; p=0.04) improved significantly. In multiple regression analysis, weight loss did not correlate with any inflammatory parameter or Hurley.

CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide 3mg is effective and safe among patients with HS and obesity. Long-term studies are mandatory to assess the effects of liraglutide on skin lesions and inflammatory markers among subjects with HS beyond weight loss.

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Using Liraglutide to Treat Obesity in People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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