Does Tirzepatide Cause Neck Lipomas?
No, tirzepatide does not cause neck lipomas based on available clinical trial evidence and pharmacological mechanisms.
Evidence from Clinical Trials
Large-scale systematic reviews and network meta-analyses of tirzepatide trials show no association between tirzepatide and lipoma formation, including neck lipomas 1.
The comprehensive SURMOUNT clinical trial program, which evaluated tirzepatide's safety across thousands of patients, did not report lipomas as an adverse event 2.
Common adverse effects of tirzepatide are predominantly gastrointestinal (nausea 31%, diarrhea 23%, vomiting 12%, constipation 5%), with no mention of lipomatous growths 3.
Mechanism of Action Context
Tirzepatide acts as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that modulates adipocyte metabolism by enhancing insulin signaling, augmenting glucose uptake, and regulating lipolysis in a fed/fasted state-dependent manner 4.
The medication's effects on adipose tissue involve reducing fat accumulation through enhanced lipid clearance and increased lipolysis when insulin levels are low, which would theoretically oppose lipoma formation 4.
Tirzepatide significantly improves lipid profiles, including reductions in triglycerides (median difference -65 mg/dL) and improvements in cholesterol markers, demonstrating favorable effects on fat metabolism rather than pathological fat deposition 5, 6.
Important Distinction: Lipodystrophy vs. Lipomas
One case series showed tirzepatide actually improved metabolic parameters in patients with lipodystrophy (abnormal fat distribution disorders), reducing BMI and triglycerides, which is the opposite effect of causing lipomas 5.
Lipodystrophy involves abnormal fat distribution with decreased adipocyte mass, while lipomas are benign fatty tumors—these are distinct pathological entities 5.
Clinical Caveat
If a patient develops a neck mass while on tirzepatide, standard evaluation for neck masses should proceed (physical examination, imaging if indicated, possible biopsy) as this would represent an unrelated finding requiring standard diagnostic workup rather than a medication side effect.
The only documented metabolic concern with tirzepatide involves potential hypercalcemia when combined with chronic thiazide diuretics in patients with CKD, not lipomatous growths 7.