GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Medication Use and Self-Reported Outcomes in Individuals with Lipedema: Results from a Large Online Survey

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.