Survey: 78% of GLP-1 RA Users Report Changes in Self-Recognition Following Weight Loss

New survey findings released by Revance suggest that changes in facial appearance following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) medication use may affect patients' perceptions of their identity, with 78% of surveyed users reporting that they no longer recognize themselves in the mirror.

The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Revance, surveyed 2,000 beauty-conscious Americans aged 26 to 60 years, including 1,402 current or former GLP-1 medication users. Among respondents, 67% reported experiencing identity-related changes associated with major life events, including aging or weight fluctuations, before initiating treatment. Another 24% reported experiencing these changes after starting GLP-1 RA therapy.

Among current users, 61% reported continuing to experience feelings of lost identity. Of respondents reporting an identity shift, 75% described the change as primarily external rather than internal.

Facial Volume Loss and Aesthetic Treatment Considerations

The survey also identified gaps in patient education surrounding appearance-related changes during GLP-1 RA-associated weight loss. Among medication users, 81% reported receiving no information about facial volume loss before or during treatment.

Meanwhile, 66% reported undergoing an aesthetic treatment or procedure after GLP-1 RA use to help restore their sense of familiarity with their appearance. Among current users, 97% reported having received or being willing to consider aesthetic injectables.

The company highlighted RHA Dynamic Volume, an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler indicated for cheek augmentation and correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies, as one option for addressing facial volume concerns.

The findings are limited by the survey's self-reported responses, selected population, and manufacturer sponsorship. The release did not provide detailed sampling methods or independently validated measures of identity-related outcomes.

"Part of my job is to guide patients through changes they may not anticipate, including facial volume loss, and to set realistic expectations based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals," said Deirdre O'Boyle Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans.

Source

Revance. 78% of GLP-1 medication users say they no longer recognize themselves in the mirror. PR Newswire. Published October 22, 2026. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/78-of-glp-1-medication-users-say-they-no-longer-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror-302916973.html