A study presented at the 2026 Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that nail detachment — a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed — is more than four times more common in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs used for weight management and diabetes treatment, than in comparable individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes who are not on these medications. According to the findings, 39% of users of these drugs reported nail detachment, compared to 9% in the control group. Additionally, two-thirds (66%) of users experienced at least one nail disorder. The study compared data from 575 users of GLP-1 receptor agonists to 1,329 diabetic or obese individuals not taking these treatments. All participants were recruited in France, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. The researchers noted that users of the medications also experienced a much more frequent discoloration (46%) of their nails compared to the control group (17%). Dr. Charles Taïeb, the study's author, stated that until now, nail changes associated with GLP-1 treatments were mainly anecdotal — meaning they were based on individual reports rather than systematic research. He emphasized that the study shows a clear association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and nail changes but does not establish a causal link — that is, it does not prove that the drugs directly cause the nail problems. The Ministry of Health recalls that GLP-1 analog-based medications are indicated as second-line treatment for weight control after at least six months of comprehensive nutritional management, in combination with a hypocaloric diet and physical activity. These medications are intended for adults with an initial BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m² (obesity), or a BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m² associated with at least one weight-related comorbidity, and for adolescents with obesity and a weight greater than 60 kg. The researchers also note that the increase in the prevalence of nail problems does not seem to be explained by weight loss alone, suggesting that other factors related to the drugs may be involved.