A new study confirms that hair loss is a side effect of weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed 50,000 patient records and found that GLP-1 medications are associated with a 37% to 68% higher risk of hair loss compared to other diabetes drugs, even after adjusting for age and weight.
What the study found
The study, published in the BMJ, looked at rates of alopecia among those prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide. Hair loss is already listed as 'common' on manufacturer leaflets. This year, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received nearly 400 reports of hair loss related to tirzepatide and 148 linked to semaglutide.
Researchers note that this physical response, dubbed 'Ozempic hair,' is fairly rare overall and 'does not typically result in physical harm.' However, they warn it 'may have significant psychosocial consequences, affecting self-esteem, quality of life, and adherence to treatment.'
Why does it happen?
Experts say the medication itself is unlikely to be the direct cause. Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, lead hair surgeon at Elithair, explains: 'Hair loss has been reported in around 3% of adults taking Wegovy during licensing trials, although the likelihood appears to increase in people who experience more substantial weight loss.' He adds that the side effect is thought to be caused by rapid weight loss, which can trigger telogen effluvium.
In telogen effluvium, the percentage of scalp hair in the shedding phase increases from the normal 15% to 30% or more. Dr Balwi says shedding typically starts 'around two to four months after starting treatment or following an increase in dosage.' Common signs include more hair on pillows, in brushes, or shower drains, and diffuse thinning rather than bald patches.
Is it permanent?
For most people, it's temporary. Dr Babak Ashrafi of Superdrug Online Doctor says: 'In most cases, it is temporary, and hair growth typically resumes once weight stabilises and nutritional intake is balanced.' If hair loss persists beyond six to 12 months, specialist treatments are available.
Dr Munir Somji, founder of DrMediSpa, recommends a combination of Croma PRP and PolyPhil Polynucleotides, which 'nourish the scalp, stimulate dormant follicles, and reboot the hair growth cycle.'
How to reduce the risk
Dr Balwi suggests being gentle with hair, limiting heat styling, and avoiding tight hairstyles. He advises aiming for 1.2 to 1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, having iron levels checked before and during treatment, and only taking supplements if a deficiency is confirmed. He also recommends following the 16-week dose escalation schedule and aiming for gradual weight loss of 0.5kg to 1kg per week.
