Medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic have been gaining in popularity for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. However, there may be some common side effects associated with these medications, including hair loss due to telogen effluvium (TE), a type of temporary hair shedding. If you might be experiencing TE, you can trust Medi Tresse, your Boston hair loss specialist for GLP-1 related hair thinning.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into reports of hair loss as a side effect to these relatively new weight loss drugs on the market. As with any new drug, it is not uncommon to discover new side effects as more people begin using them. However, it can take time to determine whether the side effect is a direct cause of the drug itself or due to something else.
It’s important to note that the FDA has only identified a potential safety issue, not that it has definitively identified a causal relationship between these drugs and hair loss. Weight loss and hair loss symptoms do seem to be connected, but further studies need to be done.
Our goal here at Medi Tresse is to look into potential causes of hair loss from rapid weight loss for those using these medications, and what patients can do to try to prevent and treat the hair loss. Are you experiencing hair loss from weight loss in Boston or Worcester? Read on.
Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the drug semaglutide. Ozempic was originally FDA approved in 2017 for the management of Type 2 diabetes. While Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss, Wegovy did receive FDA approval in 2021 for chronic weight loss. The drug semaglutide works in two ways: one by releasing a hormone that tells your brain that you are full. Secondly, by slowing the movement of food through your digestive track. Â
There is no evidence that Ozempic directly causes hair loss. People who took Ozempic during original clinical trials did not report hair loss.
However, Ozempic may indirectly lead to hair loss. How? Rapid weight loss, a known side effect of Ozempic, has been linked to hair loss for several decades. According to Healthline, weight loss can lead to hair loss, often due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal changes brought on by rapid weight loss, weight loss surgery, or restrictive diets. In fact, one study revealed that more than half of those who experienced rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery had more hair shedding.
While it’s still unclear how many individuals have experienced hair loss while taking Ozempic, data from Wegovy clinical trials from two years ago showed that three percent of people reported more hair shedding, compared with one percent of people who got a placebo. Whether this difference is due to chance or the medication is unclear.
Now, a new study that was just released says Wegovy is linked to an increased risk of hair loss. This study showcases the unintended side effects of Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic. The hair loss is known as telogen effluvium, also known as stress shedding. It is triggered by many factors, including surgery, illness, surgery, fever, and pregnancy.
When the body undergoes intense emotional or physical stress, such as rapid weight loss, it halts non-essential functions such as hair growth to preserve nutrients. With semaglutide, then, there should be adequate caloric intake for normal hair growth. But for those who are on severe calorie-restrictive diets, this impacts hair growth.
The shedding typically takes three to six months after the period of stress, as it takes time for the hair cycle to shift into a new phase. Telogen is the name for the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. The good news is, Telogen Effluvium usually ends on its own after a period of a few months.
In terms of duration, telogen effluvium brings a rapid onset, often within two to three months after the triggering event. It’s also temporary, with regrowth happening within six to 12 months.
With genetic hair loss, there is a gradual onset, starting in the teens or early 20s, that progresses over years or decades. With hormonal hair loss, this begins during periods of significant hormonal shifts, such as after pregnancy, during menopause, or due to thyroid issues. It is usually temporary.
It’s worth noting, too, that there are other medications besides Ozempic and Wegovy that have been linked to hair loss, such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and chemotherapy.
While more studies still need to be done on the risk of hair loss associated with Wegovy and Ozempic, the good news is, there are many effective treatments out there to help you manage your hair loss. Treating telogen effluvium hair loss is a two-step process.
The first step is identifying and treating the cause of the stress on the body. As hair loss from weight loss is typically from the shock to the body and vitamin and nutrient deficiency, it is important that you stabilize your diet. Make sure you’re getting enough important nutrients that can affect hair growth. This includes vitamins such as biotin, iron, zinc, copper, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The next step is treating the hair loss.
There are a few options available to you.
When experiencing drug-induced hair loss, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or hair restoration specialist. They can provide a tailored treatment plan designed to minimize the impact of hair loss and promote regrowth.
Yes, hair loss has been reported with these medications after rapid weight loss. However, it doesn’t appear to be a common or permanent side effect.
While Wegovy and Ozempic may cause hair loss as a side effect, there are effective treatments available from the experts here at Medi Tresse in Boston and Worcester, MA. Due to the temporary nature of drug-induced hair loss, it’s vital to explore all possible solutions.
We encourage you to book your consultation with Medi Tresse today to explore YOUR solution!
