GLP-1 drugs and hair loss: What's the connection and how can I prevent it?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist medications, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss . They not only improve blood glucose control but also help reduce appetite and facilitate weight loss.

The obvious and rapid weight loss has often led to their use for weight loss outside of their intended use and has made them so fashionable.

However, along with their benefits, they can also have side effects . Among them, one that is especially worrying for those who care for their hair: hair loss .

GLP-1 Medications: How Do They Affect Your Hair?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified hair loss as a possible side effect of these treatments. However, it's not the medication itself that damages the hair follicle, but rather the consequences this rapid weight loss can have on the body.

1. Rapid weight loss

When the body experiences sudden weight loss, it goes into survival mode and prioritizes vital functions over processes like hair growth. This can trigger a temporary and reversible type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, in which many follicles transition from the growth phase to the resting phase and, months later, shed.

2. Nutritional deficiency

For hair to grow strong and healthy, it needs essential nutrients such as protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and essential fatty acids. A poorly planned, low-calorie diet can lead to deficiencies that affect the hair structure, making it weaker, thinner, and more brittle.

3. Physiological stress

The process of adapting to a calorie-reduced diet, combined with the metabolic changes caused by these medications, can cause stress in the body that contributes to hair loss. A similar situation occurs with poorly planned bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery).

Will lost hair grow back?

The good news is that this hair loss is reversible. Hair typically begins to fall out between three and six months after starting treatment, but recovers when the body regains its nutritional and metabolic balance .

However, in people predisposed to androgenetic alopecia, this process can accelerate permanent hair loss in areas already affected by follicular miniaturization.

How can we protect our hair while taking GLP-1?

If you are taking these medications or considering using them, there are strategies to minimize their impact on your hair:

1. Increase your protein intake before and during treatment. Keratin, the main component of hair fiber, is made of protein. Maintaining a good protein intake will prevent hair fragility.
2. Optimize your levels of essential nutrients . Get a vitamin and mineral checkup before starting treatment and make sure there are no deficiencies.
3. Specific hair supplements . Ingredients such as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), L-cystine, and minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium can help strengthen hair fibers. MSM, in particular, provides sulfur, which is key to collagen production and hair health.
4. Manage stress . Meditation, moderate exercise, and plenty of rest can help reduce the impact of physiological stress on your hair.
5. Follow a strengthening hair routine . Use products that strengthen the hair fiber and balance the follicle's environment, thus promoting hair growth.

Effective treatments to stop hair loss caused by LPG

GLP-1 medications have changed the lives of many people struggling with obesity, but it's important to understand all of their effects, and they should always be used under medical supervision . Hair loss isn't the most serious of these, but it can be a shocking and emotionally difficult side effect.

If you're taking these medications, take care of your diet, supplementation, and hair well-being to minimize the impact on your hair.

Protect your hair from the start with the best Modesta Cassinello shampoos , formulated with ingredients that strengthen the hair fiber and give it the nutrients it needs to stay strong.

And if you have any questions, always consult with our team; a healthcare professional will give you the best advice for caring for your scalp and hair. Make an appointment here .

Each product is backed by the expertise of Dr. Modesta , a pharmacist and founder committed to excellence in hair care.