From the Guidelines
Hair loss is not a common or established side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Victoza (liraglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), or Trulicity (dulaglutide). While some patients have reported hair thinning or loss while taking these medications, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm a direct causal relationship 1. The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Hair loss could potentially be related to other factors that sometimes accompany treatment with these medications, such as rapid weight loss, nutritional changes, or stress. Significant weight loss from any cause can sometimes trigger a temporary hair shedding condition called telogen effluvium. If you experience hair loss while taking a GLP-1 agonist, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who may recommend blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or other underlying causes. Ensuring adequate protein intake and proper nutrition during weight loss may help minimize any potential hair-related issues.
Some key points to consider:
- The most recent and highest-quality studies do not list hair loss as a common side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists 1.
- GLP-1 agonists have been shown to have various benefits, including weight loss and improved glycemic control, but hair loss is not a well-established side effect 1.
- Other factors, such as rapid weight loss or nutritional changes, may contribute to hair loss in patients taking GLP-1 agonists 1.
- Healthcare providers should be consulted if hair loss occurs while taking a GLP-1 agonist, as they can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate tests or treatments 1.
From the Research
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Hair Loss
- There is evidence to suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, may cause hair loss as a potential side effect 2.
- A study published in 2024 found that alopecia was a reported harm outcome in individuals treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, with 57 events per 1000 persons over 2 years 2.
- However, it is essential to note that the current evidence on hair loss associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these drugs and hair loss.
- Other studies have investigated the effects of various drugs on hair loss, including antineoplastic agents, anticoagulants, and psychopharmacological agents 3, 4, but the specific relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and hair loss requires further investigation.
Mechanism of Hair Loss
- Hair loss can occur through two main mechanisms: anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium 3.
- Anagen effluvium is characterized by an abrupt cessation of mitotic activity in rapidly dividing hair matrix cells, typically occurring within days to weeks of drug administration.
- Telogen effluvium, on the other hand, is marked by the premature transition of hair follicles into the resting phase, usually becoming evident 2 to 4 months after starting treatment.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Weight Loss
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity 5, 2.
- A study published in 2022 found that semaglutide resulted in significantly greater weight loss compared to liraglutide in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes 5.
- Another study published in 2024 found that the benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists in achieving 10% weight loss outweighed the cumulative harms, including hair loss, over a 2-year period 2.