The Wegovy daily pill, the first tablet of its kind approved by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), arrived on the high street earlier this month. Available privately through online pharmacies, it contains semaglutide—the same active ingredient as Wegovy injections. While not yet on the NHS, its launch has reignited concerns about hair shedding, a commonly reported side effect.
Hair shedding linked to lifestyle, not just medication
Hair loss expert Dr Gizem Seymenoglu at Longevita explains that shedding is often misattributed to the drug itself. 'People often assume the medication itself causes hair loss. But clinically, what we're seeing is different. In most cases, it's the combination of rapid weight loss and inadequate intake of key nutrients that triggers hair shedding. It's usually temporary, and taking simple steps before and during treatment may help reduce the risk or lessen its severity.'
Rapid weight loss over short periods can induce physiological stress, pushing more hair follicles into their resting phase—a condition called telogen effluvium, which may occur weeks or months after weight loss. While shedding cannot always be prevented, Dr Gizem shares three achievable strategies to minimise risk.
1. Don't overlook nutritional intake
Reduced appetite is a desired effect of Wegovy, but Dr Gizem warns this is where the danger begins. 'When people eat much less, it's easier to miss out on the vitamins and minerals that healthy hair depends on.' She recommends a blood test before starting treatment to identify deficiencies in iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or zinc. 'These deficiencies can be identified and managed early,' she says, cautioning against self-diagnosis or unguided supplement use.
2. Keep your haircare routine gentle
A gentle routine won't prevent shedding from internal changes but protects existing hair and reduces breakage. Dr Gizem advises against buying multiple expensive products: 'People can start buying multiple products as soon as they hear hair loss can happen with weight-loss medications. But expensive shampoos, oils or serums are unlikely to stop shedding caused by changes inside the body.' She recommends a straightforward routine with minimal strain on the hair.
3. Prioritise protein
Protein is crucial during Wegovy treatment. 'Hair is made primarily of keratin, which is a protein. When appetite falls, protein intake often drops too, making it harder for the body to support healthy hair growth during periods of weight loss.' Dr Gizem suggests including protein at every meal: 'The goal isn't to eat more than you need, but to make every meal count. This helps support healthy hair growth, even as your calorie intake decreases.'
Additional tip: Stay active
Regular exercise may benefit scalp health through improved blood circulation. 'It's understandable that some people feel more fatigued while adjusting to Wegovy, but staying active is still important. Regular movement promotes healthy blood flow to the scalp, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.' She recommends manageable activities like walking rather than intense workouts.
