‘Ozempic hair’ is the latest side effect linked to weight loss jabs

Some people find their hair sheds more when they start GLP-1 drugs (Picture: Getty Images) It turns out pounds aren’t the only thing you might shed thanks to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy. Alongside volume depletion in the face, bum, and even vagina, another unwelcome side effect of these jabs has just been confirmed by a new study: hair loss. Across 50,000 patient records, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania looked at rates of alopecia among those prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide compared with other diabetes management drugs. Despite adjusting for factors that could influence the results such as age and weight, GLP-1 inhibitors were associated with a 37% to 68% higher risk of hair loss. This isn’t a completely new issue; it’s actually listed as ‘common’ on manufacturer patient information leaflets. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. So far this year, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also received close to 400 reports of hair loss relating to tirzepatide, with 148 linked to semaglutide. Scientists have now confirmed the link (Picture: Getty Images) Researchers, writing in the BMJ, note that this physical response to weight loss drugs — dubbed ‘Ozempic hair’ — is fairly rare overall, and ‘does not typically result in physical harm.’ However, they warn it ‘may have significant psychosocial consequences, affecting self-esteem, quality of life, and adherence to treatment’. As such, awareness of the potential for thinning hair or bald patches is vital to ‘inform treatment decisions’ of those considering GLP-1 jabs. How do weight loss jabs cause hair loss? According to experts, weight loss medication itself is unlikely to be the direct cause of this issue ‘Hair loss has been reported in around 3% of adults taking Wegovy during licensing trials, although the likelihood appears to increase in people who experience more substantial weight loss,’ Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, lead hair surgeon at Elithair tells Metro. ‘Importantly, this side effect is not thought to be caused by the medication itself, but rather by the rapid weight loss it can trigger, which may lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium.’ How would the potential for hair loss impact your decision to take weight loss medication? It would concern me and influence my decision.Check I would consider it manageable with other treatments.Check I think it's not significant compared to other health benefits.Check Sign up to Metro's The Slice newsletter for your guide to what's on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways. Whereas only 15% of the scalp hair is in the shedding phase normally, in someone with telogen effluvium — rapid hair loss typically caused by stress or a change to your body — it increases to 30% or more. Dr Balwi says hair shedding usually starts ‘around two to four months after starting treatment or following an increase in dosage’ of GLP-1 drugs. Common signs include noticeably more hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or shower drain, along with diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than distinct bald patches. Women often first notice their ponytail becoming thinner or their parting appearing wider. It’s often down to a condition called telogen effluvium (Picture: Getty Images) Is it permanent and can it be treated? The good news is, for most people, ‘Ozempic hair’ isn’t a permanent thing. Dr Babak Ashrafi of Superdrug Online Doctor says: ‘In most cases, it is temporary, and hair growth typically resumes once weight stabilises and nutritional intake is balanced.’ And even if hair loss is more severe or doesn’t improve naturally within six to 12 months, there are now a range of specialist treatments available to help. ‘I’m seeing more patients experiencing sudden hair shedding after starting weight loss injections,’ says DrMediSpa founder Dr Munir Somji. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin ‘I tend to recommend a combination of Croma PRP and PolyPhil Polynucleotides. Together, these nourish the scalp, stimulate dormant follicles, and reboot the hair growth cycle.’ How to avoid 'Ozempic hair' While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent hair shedding during weight loss, reducing the body’s nutritional and metabolic stress can help lower the risk. Dr Balwi recommends: Being gentle with your hair by limiting heat styling, avoiding tight hairstyles and using a soft brush to minimise breakage. Aiming for around 1.2 to 1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day, spread across meals. Protein shakes can also be handy if your appetite is lower. Having iron levels checked before starting treatment and every three to six months afterwards, as iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss. Only taking supplements such as zinc, vitamin D or vitamin B12 if a deficiency has been confirmed, ‘not on a hunch.’ Following the recommended 16-week dose escalation schedule rather than increasing doses too quickly, with a gradual weight loss of around 0.5kg to 1kg per week where possible. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: The exact number of minutes you need to walk for per day to boost your health Arrow MORE: Noughties mini fridges are in again — and for one depressing reason Arrow MORE: What Ariana Grande has said about her health ahead of ‘much-deserved’ hiatus The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.