From the Guidelines
Hair loss is a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, although it is not explicitly listed as a common adverse effect in the provided evidence 1.
Potential Cause of Hair Loss
The exact mechanism of hair loss associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists is not well understood, but it may be related to rapid weight loss or nutritional changes, leading to telogen effluvium.
Management of Hair Loss
To minimize the risk of hair loss, patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists should:
- Ensure adequate protein intake (at least 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight daily)
- Take a multivitamin to maintain proper nutrition
- Stay hydrated to support overall health
- Consider biotin supplements (2,500-5,000 mcg daily) to support hair health
Monitoring and Consultation
If hair loss is severe or persists beyond 6 months, patients should consult their healthcare provider, as they may recommend:
- Temporarily reducing the GLP-1 medication dose
- Addressing potential nutritional deficiencies
- Monitoring for other potential side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are more common and well-documented 1.
From the Research
Hair Loss with GLP-1
- Hair loss is a potential side effect associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, as reported in several studies 2, 3.
- A real-world pharmacovigilance study found that GLP1-RAs, including semaglutide and liraglutide, had a higher reporting of hair loss compared to other antidiabetic medications 2.
- The study found that semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide were the leading medications associated with hair loss, with a reporting odds ratio (ROR) of 0.61 (0.60-0.64) for GLP1-RAs as a class 2.
- However, it is essential to note that the study did not detect a positive signal for hair loss with GLP1-RAs, suggesting that the association may not be statistically significant 2.
Comparison of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- Different GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have been compared in terms of their efficacy and safety profiles 4, 5, 3.
- A study comparing semaglutide 0.5 mg/weekly and liraglutide 3 mg/daily found that both treatments were effective in reducing weight and improving anthropometric parameters, with similar side effect profiles 4.
- Another study reviewed the results of phase 2 and 3 pipelines for GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, and found that these treatments have the potential to change the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities 5.
Mechanism of Action
- The mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, is thought to involve anti-inflammatory pathways, which may contribute to their effects on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk 6.
- A study found that semaglutide and liraglutide reduced atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- and LDLr-/- mice by a mechanism that includes inflammatory pathways, partly independent of weight and cholesterol lowering 6.