GLP-1 medications associated with nail separation in study

A study presented at the 2026 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress has identified an association between GLP-1 receptor agonist medications and nail issues. Researchers found that 39% of users reported onycholysis, the medical term for the separation of the nail from the nail bed, compared to 9% in a control group.

The study analyzed medical data from 575 individuals in the US, France, Brazil, and Mexico using treatments such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Other reported issues included nail discoloration, which appeared in 46% of users versus 17% in the control group. At least one nail problem was reported by 66% of GLP-1 users.

Dermatologist Ife J. Rodney warned that onycholysis can become painful, causing the detached part to snag on objects and potentially lead to bleeding. While the study noted that these issues occurred regardless of the amount of weight lost—suggesting a potential direct effect of the medication—researchers emphasized that the findings show an association rather than proven causality and called for further research.