Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

A growing number of individuals taking GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, have reported experiencing hair loss. This side effect has raised concerns among users, particularly as these drugs gain popularity for weight management and diabetes treatment. Carol Saffran, a 71-year-old from the greater Boston area, began using Ozempic over a year ago to manage her blood sugar levels after other treatments failed. While she has achieved significant weight loss and is nearing her ideal body weight, she noticed a troubling change: her hair has become noticeably thinner.

After increasing her dosage of Ozempic, Saffran observed more hair than usual in her brush. “It’s not coming out in clumps or anything like that, but it’s definitely not as dense as it used to be,” she shared. Diagnosed with telogen effluvium by Dr. Farah Moustafa, director of laser and cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center, Saffran’s hair loss is attributed to the stress on her body from significant weight loss rather than the medication itself.

The use of GLP-1 medications has surged, with a recent poll by KFF indicating that approximately 1 in 8 adults are currently using these drugs for chronic diseases, weight management, or both. This represents a 6% increase since May 2024. Despite the benefits, side effects like hair loss contribute to some users discontinuing treatment.

Understanding Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by an abnormal number of hair follicles entering the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. This phase, known as telogen, leads to increased shedding. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explained that this condition often arises after periods of stress, such as childbirth, surgical procedures, or rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss, particularly when achieved swiftly, can trigger telogen effluvium.

Dr. Aron Nusbaum, a dermatologist at the Miami Hair Institute, noted that the body often prioritizes essential functions over non-essential ones like hair growth during stressful times. “When the body is stressed, large numbers of hair follicles in the growth phase prematurely enter the resting phase,” he said.

While the medications themselves may not directly cause hair loss, the profound weight reduction associated with their use appears to play a pivotal role. Dr. Brian Wojeck, an obesity medicine specialist at the Yale School of Medicine, likened this phenomenon to hair shedding experienced after bariatric surgery, which can result from rapid metabolic changes and nutritional shifts.

Nutritional Factors and Potential Solutions

As GLP-1 medications suppress appetite, individuals may find themselves in a state of chronic malnutrition, further impacting hair health. Dr. Rossi emphasized the importance of adequate nutrient intake, citing that each person requires approximately 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for proper hair growth. Essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and vitamins B, D, and B-12, are also crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

Moreover, the unregulated use of GLP-1 medications raises additional concerns. Many individuals are using these drugs for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical necessity, often without proper nutritional support. Dr. Rossi cautioned that this misuse could lead to further complications, including nutrient deficiencies that adversely affect hair growth.

According to a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, hair loss is a recognized risk associated with semaglutide, a key ingredient in Ozempic. Clinical trials for Wegovy, another semaglutide medication, reported hair loss in 2.5% of treated adults compared to 1.0% in the placebo group. The spokesperson noted that hair loss was more prevalent among those who experienced significant weight loss.

In light of these findings, experts recommend that individuals experiencing hair loss while on GLP-1 medications seek medical evaluation. While telogen effluvium is typically a temporary condition, some may develop chronic telogen effluvium, characterized by ongoing shedding beyond six months.

Dr. Moustafa encourages patients to monitor their hair shedding and weight loss closely. She advises those concerned about hair loss due to GLP-1 medications to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their symptoms and potential treatments. Options like oral minoxidil may help accelerate hair recovery for patients who need to continue their medications.

As the use of GLP-1 drugs expands, understanding the relationship between these medications and hair loss becomes increasingly important. By addressing nutritional needs and maintaining open lines of communication with healthcare professionals, patients can better manage potential side effects while reaping the benefits of their treatment.