The global obesity crisis is an escalating public health concern, with over 650 million obese adults worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have increasingly gained popularity for their groundbreaking efficacy in glycemic control and weight loss.

This Emerging Guidance highlights both the benefts and growing complexities associated with these drugs – from adverse reactions and possible health implications, the need for perioperative management, to the new challenges facing plastic surgeons as the use of GLP-1 agonists continues to rise. Beyond fat loss, it is essential to understand how these drugs may affect other structural components, including muscles, ligaments and skin. The impact on muscle tone and skin retraction is not yet fully understood, particularly in the context of aesthetic interventions.