Shedding Light On Shedding: GLP-1s & Hair Loss
So you’ve probably seen rumored associations between hair loss and increasingly common weight loss drugs (Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro) popping up on google or social media. Let’s break it down: what we know, what we suspect, and what is still under investigation 🕵️♀️✨
🧬 What Are GLP-1s Again?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) help the body regulate glucose and reduce appetite — which is why they’re widely used for type 2 diabetes and increasingly for weight management.
💇♀️ “But What About My Hair??” — What the Evidence Says
Short answer: GLP-1 medications are not established to directly damage hair follicles — but many patients have reported shedding, and studies are starting to take notice.
Here’s what we do know:
🌿 1. Telogen Effluvium (TE): The Usual Suspect
Most experts think what we’re seeing is NOT the drug “attacking” or “damaging” hair follicles— it’s the stress of rapid weight loss causing the premature transition of hair into the resting (telogen) phase. And around 3 months later? Hello, diffuse shedding and hair loss. That’s classic telogen effluvium (TE) that is also common after childbirth, surgery, illness or any event where your body is under a lot of stress. The GOOD NEWS– it is NOT permanent!
🍽️ 2. Nutrition Plays a Role Too
GLP-1s can reduce appetite — great for caloric goals, but sometimes not so great for nutrient intake. If the body isn’t getting enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, or B vitamins, that can be another hair loss trigger.
📊 3. Emerging Data
There are some real-world analyses and cohort studies have seen a signal — not a smoking gun — for increased nonscarring hair loss in patients on GLP-1s, especially with Ozempic.
It’s worth noting:
Not everyone experiences hair shedding.
It’s not ubiquitous or universal.
Large prospective studies are still needed.
This is emerging dermatologic science, so we don’t have all the answers yet. The current consensus: Most hair loss associated with GLP-1 therapy seems to be an indirect side effect— driven by rapid weight loss and physiologic stress — not direct follicle damage.
So what should I do?
📌 Adequate protein + micronutrient intake
📌 Slow, steady weight loss goals when possible
📌 See your derm provider to learn about supplements and other options to encourage natural hair growth. We would love to see you!
