Are you taking a GLP-1 drug and experiencing hair loss?

Let’s get the bad news out of the way: many patients shedding pounds with glp-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound may also experience unwanted shedding - their hair. 

Good news! It’s temporary, treatable, and not caused by the medication itself. Instead, it is a response to rapid changes the body is undergoing.  

This particular form of hair loss is a condition called telogen effluvium - short-term hair loss that’s triggered by physical or emotional stress. Telogen effluvium doesn’t cause baldness patches- it causes diffuse hair loss- thinning of the hair all around the scalp. 

What's causing the telogen effluvium?

In this case, the “stressor” is rapid weight loss. Any major change to the body, such as surgery, illness, or dramatic weight reduction, can shift hair follicles prematurely into a resting phase, leading to shedding several months later. Because GLP-1 users continue to lose weight over time, hair loss may persist until their body weight stabilizes. 

The main causes of this hair thinning are deficiencies in the following:

• Vitamin D 

• Zinc

• Protein 

  
  

With a loss of appetite, many GLP-1 patients aren’t eating enough, and therefore not consuming the protein they need for essential body functions, including muscle strength, but also hair growth.

Is It Treatable?

Although this “treatment” isn’t the answer patients want, this hair loss can be mitigated by slowing down the intensity of weight loss. Patients can also do nothing - usually improves over time. 

Medical Treatment Options

Minoxidil, which is FDA-approved, can stimulate hair growth through anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects. The medication supports regrowth but doesn’t directly stop GLP-1–related shedding. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and red-light therapy may also speed up recovery by stimulating hair follicles, though evidence is limited. Hair regrowth usually begins once weight stabilizes but may take 6–18 months. 

Hair Thinning and Bariatric Patients

Bariatric patients have an increased chance of hair loss due to the same reasons- vitamin and mineral deficiencies and protein deficiency. For bariatric and medical-weight-loss patients, this phenomenon is familiar. After any significant weight loss — whether from surgery or medication — adequate nutrition becomes critical. Maintaining sufficient protein intake (60–80 grams per day for most bariatric patients) and taking prescribed vitamins can help support regrowth.

To learn more about surgical weight loss and medical weight loss options, contact Dr. Korman’s office today.