The Truth About Ozempic and Hair Loss, According to Doctors
Though reports of Ozempic butt and Ozempic face have made news, Ozempic side effects typically involve weight loss, nausea, and stomach discomfort. But, does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Meet the experts: Deena Adimoolam, M.D., an endocrinologist at Summit Health; Janiene Luke, M.D., dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA.; Emily Aboujaoude, Pharm.D., clinical assistant professor at the Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; and Jamie Alan, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.
While anecdotal evidence suggests those taking the type 2 diabetes drug with a side effect of weight loss may lead to hair thinning, it’s a bit more involved. Ahead, dermatologists and endocrinologists explain if Ozempic causes hair loss and the mechanism why someone who has lost weight may experience hair thinning.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Currently, there are no studies that show that the medication directly causes hair loss. However, studies show that rapid weight loss may lead to hair loss, and as Ozempic has been known to spur weight loss, hair thinning and loss may occur.
“Weight loss is considered a stress on the body, especially extreme weight loss. That stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium which leads to decrease in hair growth and subsequent hair loss,” explains Deena Adimoolam, M.D., an endocrinologist at Summit Health. “Another cause could be malnutrition. Some people on semaglutide have no appetite and eat very little which leads to missing key nutrients and vitamins that are important for the body.”
Ozempic is classified as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which mimics the hormone your body naturally makes that helps manage blood sugar and reduce appetite. GLP-1s don’t necessarily cause hair loss, says Jamie Alan, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Instead, she says, the hair loss is likely due to a lack of or getting enough of the right nutrients during the weight loss process.
How common is hair loss when taking Ozempic?
“[It’s] very common and really depends on the rate of weight loss,” explains Dr. Adimoolam. “It’s something I educate all my patients about before starting treatment so there’s no surprises.”
Janiene Luke, M.D., dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA, says, “I have been seeing more and more patients who are taking Ozempic/semaglutide and experiencing hair loss. This is still a relatively new area for research and the studies at this time appear to be inconclusive.”
But, she notes that there are some theories, one of which suggests that rapid weight loss may disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles. Another hypothesis implicates hormonal abnormalities, Dr. Luke explains, that may trigger early onset male or female pattern hair loss.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) specifically points out several factors that can be related to weight loss that can lead to hair loss. Those include stress and having too little biotin, iron, protein, or zinc.
What other weight loss drugs cause hair loss?
Drugs that lead to rapid weight loss may lead to hair loss. Emily Aboujaoude, Pharm.D., clinical assistant professor at the Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, explains: “Sudden weight loss [by any means] is associated with a loss of nutrients and vitamins,” she says. “Low levels of iron, zinc, protein, selenium, essential fatty acids, and amino acids can lead to hair loss, though it may take months to show.”
What is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss, according to Dr. Luke. She says that it happens as a “result of a stress to the body that causes hair follicles to prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle typically consists of the growing phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), the resting phase (telogen), and finally the phase where the hair exits the scalp (exogen). Normally, about 85-90% of hair is in anagen and only 10-15% are in telogen. With telogen effluvium, a higher percentage of hair is in telogen and that appears clinically as excess hair shedding.”
She says it’s typically temporary, especially if the underlying cause is addressed and/or treated.
What causes telogen effluvium?
Ultimately, stress on the body may serve as a catalyst for telogen effluvium. Some causes, according to Dr. Luke and the Cleveland Clinic, may include:
Recent illness or surgery
Childbirth
Rapid weight loss
Certain health conditions (like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
Severe infections
Psychological stress
Can you prevent hair loss while taking Ozempic?
While you can’t control how your body reacts to medications, there are a few things to consider. “It is important not to lose too much weight too fast since drastic shifts in weight or anything that puts stress on the body can trigger hair loss,” Dr. Luke explains. “In addition, it is important to get necessary nutrients like protein and other vitamins that are essential for hair growth, especially during your weight loss journey.”
Making sure you’re getting nutrients really is key. “Avoiding restrictive diets that cut out entire food groups, and incorporating a balanced amount of all nutrients is the best way to go,” Aboujaoude says. “Additionally, for those who follow a vegetarian or a vegan diet, it is recommended to supplement the diet with nutrients such as iron and zinc. If the hair loss is caused by nutrient deficiency, supplementation will help with hair regrowth.”
And, taking the medication as intended should help too. “I’ve seen people taking [Ozempic] who are normal weight and they have had the most concerns with hair loss,” Dr. Adimoolam says. “Avoid taking these medications if you do not meet the criteria to take them.”
Will hair grow back after stopping Ozempic?
It should, even if you continue taking the medication, experts say. “It can take several months, but typically the body will reset itself and the hair will begin to grow normally again,” Dr. Luke explains. “This can take anywhere from six to 12 months.”
Dr. Adimoolam agrees, noting that it varies from person to person. “Generally if hair loss is due to telogen effluvium it may take three to six months to grow back,” she notes.
Ozempic side effects
Hair loss is not listed as an official side effect of Ozempic. Novo Nordisk, the company that makes the medication, lists the following as potential side effects of Ozempic:
Nausea
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
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