Weight-Loss Drugs Could Be The Reason Behind Hair Loss

GLP-1, Ozempic, and other weight-related drugs might be the cause of hair loss.

GLP-1 is an injectable medical prescription primarily used for adults with type 2 diabetes that helps to improve blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with a known heart disease or those with chronic kidney disease.

Due to the effectiveness of GLP-1 to help regulate blood sugar, glucose, and digestion or to treat type 2 diabetes the use of GLP-1, Ozempic, or Wegovy have became quite popular in recent years due to its side effect of significant weight loss portrayed through social media and celebrities who have also taken Ozempic or weight-loss drugs like Chrissy Teigen, Serena Williams, Meghan Trainor, Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, and many more.

However, despite its popular use, the medication is still not a sole solution for weight loss.

With the use of any medication, there are side effects, the most common being nausea, vomiting, or constipation with the use of GLP-1, Ozempic, or any related weight loss drug. Hair loss seems to be a common side effect among some users due to rapid weight loss, which puts stress on the body and is commonly diagnosed as Telogen Effluvium.

Telogen Effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people when they experience physical or emotional stress, a hormonal imbalance, or new medications.

However, profound weight loss, rather than GLP-1, Ozempic, or other weight loss drugs, appears to be the major mechanism for hair loss for people who particularly use these medications.

Along with the stress of profound weight loss and a rapid metabolic change, shifts in nutrition or vitamin levels may also contribute to hair loss.

“People are using them inappropiatey,” stated Dr. Anthony Rossi, dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with CNN.

Many people seem to be using the medication as a way to seek cosmetic weight loss and may not be getting adequate nutrition or meeting the nutrient levels needed to promote hair growth.

While telogen effluvium with GLP-1, Ozempic, or other weight-related drugs like Wegovy is typically temporary, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. 

Some people can go into a chronic telogen effluvium state in which shedding can continue for more than six months, whereas telogen effluvium typically lasts for three to six months.

However, once that stressor is removed, patients should make a full recovery. 

“Oral Minoxidil is a really great medication that is given via a prescpition,” said Dr. Farah Moustafa, a hair loss specialist at Tufts Medical Center with CNN, to try and get patients to recover their hair faster.

If you are using GLP-1 or any other related weight-loss medication, which may cause telogen effluvium, it is best to keep an eye on the rate of hair shedding or loss, along with your weight loss, but be sure to be your own advocate and discuss any health or medical concerns with a doctor to ensure you receive the best support.