GLP-1 Meds are Changing the Aesthetic Industry, Reports Say

The addition of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss, according to new insights from Guidepoint Qsight, is fueling growth in the medical aesthetics industry in the United States. A press release from the data intelligence company for healthcare explained that said industry grew by 2% in 2024 due to the increased use of GLP-1 medications.

Surgical spending in 2024 stayed flat, but neurotoxins experienced an increase in total patient spend by 4%. This reflects a shift toward non-surgical aesthetic treatments, with GLP-1 medications contributing to overall industry growth. 

What exactly are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 agonists are types of medications used for managing blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. They are also prescribed for weight loss or weight management. GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking naturally-occurring glucagon-like peptide hormones in the body.

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a hormone produced by your gut and released after eating. It has several functions, including: 

• Promoting the release of insulin from the pancreas (enabling your body to use your food for energy)
• Increasing fullness during and between meals
• Slowing the emptying of the stomach
• Inhibits the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels when needed

GLP-1 agonists help lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. They are also said to curb hunger and slow the emptying of the stomach, so you feel full faster and longer, causing you to eat less. Some GLP-1 medications, according to studies, are more effective for weight loss. These include tirzepatide, semaglutide (Rybelsus), dulaglutide, and liraglutide (Saxenda).

Revenue with GLP-1 medications

Practices that offer GLP-1 treatments, according to a press release from Guidepoint Qsight reports, saw an increase of 9% in average revenue. Those who don’t offer these medications, meanwhile, experience a 2% decrease. Today, GLP-1 drugs account for about 15% of monthly revenue in practices that offer them, and approximately 40% of patients receiving GLP-1 treatments in 2024 were new to those practices.

Erik Haines, the managing director of Guidepoint Qsight, said practices embracing these treatments are outperforming others that don’t. Spending on weight loss treatments now exceeds spending on professional skincare and non-energy-based skin rejuvenation. Now, it is the fourth largest segment in non-surgical aesthetics that the company tracks. 

Changes in medical aesthetics demographics

Guidepoint Qsight also noted demographic changes in the medical aesthetics. Younger consumers are becoming a bigger part of the market, with Gen Z making up around 10% of all aesthetic patients in 2024. This is almost three times their share in 2017. Baby boomers represent about 20% of patients.

How Cutis can help

If you are considering GLP-1 medications for weight loss, make sure to do your homework first and consult a healthcare provider. Cutis has weight management programs that are designed to achieve your goals, as part of our comprehensive approach to enhancing your overall well-being.

GLP-1 or weight management treatments can also be paired with energy-based skin tightening treatments. We have Ultherapy PRIME for non-invasive lifting and tightening of the skin on the brow, neck, and under the chin. Our non-medical arm, Sanctuary by Cutis, also has non-invasive procedures that help with muscle building, skin laxity, and fat reduction for achieving your fitness goals. 

One popular treatment of ours is CoolSculpting Elite, a US FDA-cleared procedure for treating visible fat bulges. It can reduce fat layer thickness in trouble zones that don’t respond well to diet and exercise.

Here are 5 reasons to love CoolSculpting Elite in Singapore: 

• Dual sculpting (can treat two areas at the same time)
• More coverage and fat reduction
• C-shaped applicators for comfortable treatments
• US FDA-cleared to treat nine areas
• Fast results with initial improvements appearing as early as 3 to 4 weeks

If you are interested in exploring our medical weight loss programs or non-surgical body contouring procedures, please do not hesitate to contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore or Sanctuary by Cutis. Call us at +65 6801 4000 or WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Resources:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/09/3007080/0/en/GLP-1-Medications-Fuel-Growth-in-Medical-Aesthetics-with-Weight-Loss-Accounting-for-11-of-Non-Surgical-Spending-in-2024.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955

https://www.cutislaserclinics.com/blog/11-common-questions-about-coolsculpting-elite-answered/