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Has anyone took GLP 1 medication? My doctor said if i reduce weight my HS flares will decrease? Exercises and diet is hard with HS

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Indian, AK

I understand that GLP-1 medications can help with weight loss, but as someone who have hidradenitis suppurativa it's hard to lose weight. Can you explain how these medications might help reduce my HS flares? Is the improvement mainly because of weight loss, or do GLP-1 drugs also reduce inflammation directly?
Did anyone took these weight loss medication , do you think a GLP-1 medication is a good option for both my weight and my HS? Or please tell me your experience

August 1
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Answer Summary

Members shared their personal experiences with GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy in relation to managing hidradenitis... Read more

Members shared their personal experiences with GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy in relation to managing hidradenitis suppurativa flares, with many reporting noticeable improvements alongside significant weight loss. Several members described reduced flare frequency and overall body inflammation, with one noting improvements in related conditions like rosacea and A1C levels, while others pointed out that results varied and weight loss alone did not always improve HS symptoms. A recurring theme was that GLP-1s may help indirectly through weight reduction and inflammation, but HS can be complex and influenced by hormones, stress, and other factors beyond weight.

A myHSteam Member

I am on Ozempic. I have gone from 223 to 186 in 2 months.
Do I think it is helping, yes.
With that being said, I was always thin. My HS became problematic in my 20's. I believe do to hormone changes after having babies. I am 5'5" and was always in the 130/140 weight range. I hit the weight gain lottery. I tore my mcl in my knee and significantly reduced my activity for 16 weeks. Gained 20 lbs. 6 months later I broke my foot..... More weight. Then a combo of menopause and the COVID shut down......
As I gained weight my HS went from an occasional maybe 3 times a year small flare where my underwear would rub, to multiple flares. Groin, armpits, under belly roll, under my boobs.......
15 years ago I was a personal trainer, in the gym, active and hardly any flares.
The weight gain caused back issues. Back issues caused limited mobility. Limited mobility caused more weight gain. Weight gain caused more frequent flares.....
So do I think a GPL1 can help with HS, yes. Indirectly.

August 4
A myHSteam Member

I’m on GLP1 Wegovy and my breakouts have drastically decreased. I’ve lost my weight and am just in maintenance now.

August 5
A myHSteam Member

I am on a GLP1 and I also suffer from PMOS. I see a general reduction in entire body inflammation.( I also have Rosacea). So I say yes it helped me a lot with my inflammation, A1C, and weight loss.

August 5
A myHSteam Member

I've lost 56 pounds on Monjauro and I feel it has definitely helped with flair ups

August 24
A myHSteam Member

At my heaviest, I was 240 lbs, my lightest 153 lbs.
I'm now 163 lbs after dieting down from 185 lbs.
I didn't use a GLP-1, it was just exercising when the HS and my mind permitted me to do so.
I can say that my HS has never gotten better regardless of my weight.
I can also say that stress impacts the severity more than my weight does.

August 15 (edited)

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