Why in News?
Growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has highlighted their effects on skin, hair, and nails.
What is GLP-1?
- GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
- An incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and Suppresses appetite, aiding weight loss.
- Common Drugs: Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, and Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist).
- Emerging Role: Early studies suggest benefits in: Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). However, GLP-1 drugs are not yet approved as standard dermatological treatments.
Dermatological Effects
- Skin: Facial fat loss (“Ozempic Face”), loose skin, pigmentation, fungal infections.
- Hair: Temporary hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium) due to rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
- Nails: Brittle, slow-growing or peeling nails linked to nutritional deficiencies.
Prelims Facts
- GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
- T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- GIP: Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide
- HS: Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding triggered by physiological stress or rapid weight loss.
[2024] Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow
[A] Nitric oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Nitrogen dioxide
[D] Nitrogen pentoxide