Significant weight loss is one of the hallmarks of GLP-1 drugs, but some people have claimed that their hair is vanishing along with the excess pounds.
Although hair loss isn’t an officially listed side effect of GLP-1 drugs — a class of medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound — anecdotal reports and emerging research suggest that it’s a real phenomenon.
What causes sudden hair loss?
Telogen effluvium is a common type of sudden hair loss that typically results from stress or shock. Common triggers may include:
- childbirth
- menopause
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Other causes include nutrition deficiencies, endocrine disorders, and, yes, dramatic weight loss.
“GLP-1 associated hair loss is unique in that the continued weight loss is a continued ‘stressor,’” said Jenni Holman, MD, FAAD, a diplomate of the American Academy of Dermatology and Board-Certified Dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler.
“Unlike a singular exposure or event, the ongoing weight loss often slows the body’s ability to reset the hair shedding cycle. As opposed to shedding hair over a few weeks, the hair shedding may continue throughout the weight loss process,” Homan explained.
Since this type of hair loss is likely linked to weight loss and not the GLP-1 drug itself, shedding may not start for months after beginning treatment.
Telogen effluvium tends to resolve once the underlying stressor has been addressed. However, it may take several months before hair volume is restored.
GLP-1 hair loss vs. other forms of hair loss
Telogen effluvium or sudden hair loss differs from other forms of hair loss in significant ways. Here’s a closer look.
- androgenic alopecia—The most common cause of hair loss that affects up to 50% of males. The condition also affects females, with a higher prevalence after menopause. It’s caused by a combination of age, genetics, and hormones. Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are both forms of androgenic alopecia.
- alopecia areata — An autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles.
- tinea capitis — Also known as ringworm of the scalp, it is a fungal infection that causes small bald patches that may be scaly or itchy.
What to do when shedding starts
If you notice increased hair shedding, Holman suggests taking a quick inventory of your personal history: “Are there any new medications, stresses, illnesses, or major body [or] life changes in the last three months?”
Diet and other lifestyle factors can have serious effects on hair health, so paying attention to what you’re eating and general stress level are good places to start.
Since most people who take GLP-1s eat less, this may affect diet quality and potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Do supplements work for GLP-1-related hair loss?
Robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements for hair loss is still lacking.
Nutrafol, a clinically studied hair loss supplement, has been shown to improve hair regrowth. Other popular supplements include Viviscal and Wellbel.
Remember that nutritional supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so do your due diligence before purchasing such products.
Holman cited some common over-the-counter supplements that may aid hair regrowth by directly addressing dietary deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin C. Such supplements may also be comparatively inexpensive.
“Supplements are most helpful if the hair loss is related to a true deficiency of a nutrient,” she said.
Serums and shampoos for hair loss
There are some topical serums with substantial evidence to support their effectiveness. Holman recommended platelet-derived exosome serums.
However, like supplements, the evidence for serums, where it exists at all, will vary, as will results.
Even if serums and other leave-in products don’t directly impact hair loss, they may still support scalp and hair health, which can support hair regrowth.
Some types of shampoos may also be helpful.
