Can weight loss drugs cause hair loss?

DO WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS CAUSE HAIR LOSS?

Semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, sold under the name Mounjaro, were all drugs originally intended for those with Type 2 diabetes, but are also frequently prescribed for weight loss. When it comes to side effects, hair loss is not actually listed as one to watch out for. So for those taking weight loss drugs who have experienced or are experiencing hair loss, the question becomes, “Is it the drugs or is it the weight loss?”

“In clinical trials of Semaglutide (Ozempic brand), hair loss was not observed as a statistically significant adverse event. However, the patient population that was studied for the US FDA approval of Semaglutide were obese and/or suffered from diabetes; thus, in people looking for weight loss who do not meet the prescribing criteria of the drug, hair loss may be a more significant risk; however, it has not been studied,” says Dr. Goren. During said clinical trials, three percent of people reported hair loss while taking Wegovy, and six percent of people reported hair loss while taking Mounjaro, but the key factor here is that these weight loss drugs target areas of the body that have little to do with hair and that any hair shedding, hair loss, or development of alopecia are likely caused by rapid weight loss itself.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR LOSS BEFORE TAKING WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

If you’re planning on trying a prescription weight loss drug, weight loss surgery, or even a crash diet, there are a few things you should know about how your hair may be affected. Your healthy hair and hair follicles are susceptible to side effects as your body goes through big changes. Think of it like a shock to your system. Things like stress, pregnancy, divorce, and rapid weight loss all cause temporary hair thinning, hair fall, and hair loss. In fact, it’s so common the condition even has its own name: telogen effluvium. “Rapid weight loss due to surgery can trigger telogen effluvium. In the majority of patients, telogen effluvium is transient. Telogen effluvium is thought to occur due to stress,” Dr. Goren says.

One of the common causes of this type of hair loss is major changes in eating habits and appetite. Patients on these weight loss drugs eat less and less and often end up on restrictive diets to keep the pounds off. Even those keeping a balanced diet may notice a change in their hair simply due to the rapid body change. Dr. Goren expands, “One potential long-term adverse effect of weight loss drugs on hair related to changes in circulating hormones. Changes in circulating hormones are thought to potentially trigger androgenetic alopecia in people predisposed to the condition. Androgenetic alopecia (also known as male or female pattern hair loss) is not reversible and can lead to significant permanent hair loss. Semaglutide is known to alter circulating hormones and thus has the potential to trigger andoagenetic alopecia in some patients.”

HOW TO COMBAT WEIGHT LOSS-RELATED HAIR LOSS

“The majority of patients prescribed Semaglutide in accordance with the label are not likely to experience hair loss. Hair loss has not been studied in patients prescribed off-label weight loss drugs; thus, it is not clear if it is a significant problem and what treatment (if any) may work,” says Dr. Goren. But if you’re struggling with weight loss-related hair loss, or are taking a weight loss drug and want to do what you can to prevent the possibility of hair fall, there are a few things you can try to combat this common side effect.

UTILIZE BIOTIN SUPPLEMENTS

One of the most common and easiest things you can do to combat hair loss is to incorporate biotin or “hair, skin, and nails” supplements into your routine. Biotin has been touted for years as a great way to increase keratin production which directly contributes to healthy hair and nail growth. Biotin supplements can be found online or at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

AVOID STRESS

Avoiding stress isn’t always easy, but it is good to try. Incorporating space for wellness into your daily routine can help combat additional hair fall and hair loss. Think meditation, journaling, yoga, walking, or any way to destress your mind. Additionally, you should avoid putting physical stress on your scalp with tight hairstyles and high ponytails. Opt to leave your mane down or in a loose braid to keep pressure off your scalp and fragile strands.

BALANCE YOUR DIET

Balancing your diet is about more than keeping the weight off, it is about asking what your body needs to perform at optimum levels and keep your system in check. Oftentimes weight loss diets do not include enough protein or fatty acids which are both incredibly important to keeping your hair and skin healthy, as well as your insides healthy. Focusing on getting enough protein can help you avoid a nutrient deficiency while you are on your weight loss journey.

PURCHASE THE RIGHT HAIR PRODUCTS

There are also a plethora of hair products on the market that help reduce hair fall and strengthen strands to help combat hair loss. Shampoos, conditioners, topical treatments, and oral supplements from companies like Nutrafol, Vegamour, Hims, and Hers all claim to help regrow and strengthen existing hair and have seen great results in clinical trials and customer reviews.

LOOK FOR DEFICIENCIES

We mentioned nutrient deficiencies before, but other issues like vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, or lack of vitamin A can also contribute to hair loss. These deficiencies may have nothing to do with your weight loss as well. According to the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 20% of women under 50 are iron deficient. So it is a good idea before taking any weight loss drug to get any preexisting conditions in check.

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

Keeping your body healthy along your weight loss journey is about more than just diet, exercise, and your daily dose of Ozempic. It’s important to keep a regiment of vitamins to make up for areas you may be deficient in, genetics, age, and hormonal standing. Keeping all of these systems healthy can contribute to successful weight loss without massive hair loss.

SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE WHEN NEEDED

If you do feel like you have done everything you can when it comes to avoiding hair loss, from a balanced diet and increasing your protein intake, to taking supplements and biotin, then it may be time to seek medical advice. Remember, a doctor can always help you pinpoint the issues and major causes of hair loss, even when they aren’t weight loss related.