A new study from George Washington University suggests that widely used weight loss medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, may be associated with a higher risk of hair loss. The research, led by Professor and Chair of Dermatology Adam Friedman, analyzed data from nearly 550,000 patients aged 12 to 89 between 2014 and 2024. The findings indicate that GLP-1 medications—commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity—may increase the likelihood of hair shedding, independent of patients’ demographic and clinical factors.
The study, published earlier this month, was prompted by patient reports of increased hair shedding while taking GLP-1 drugs. “Early clinical trials of these medications did not emphasize hair loss as a potential side effect,” said Matt Akiska, a fifth-year medical student at GW and co-author of the study. “We decided to investigate after noticing this pattern in our clinical interactions.”
Research has long linked weight loss to hair loss, often due to nutrient deficiencies. The GW study identified two forms of hair loss associated with GLP-1 use. The most common is telogen effluvium, a typically temporary condition triggered by major stressors, including rapid weight loss. The second is androgenetic alopecia, a genetic form of hair loss that can be accelerated by GLP-1 medications.
Akiska emphasized that for most patients, hair shedding aligns with telogen effluvium and is usually temporary. “Framing it this way is important so patients understand that this is generally not permanent,” he said. He added that GLP-1 drugs remain highly beneficial for metabolic and cardiovascular health, and the study is not intended to discourage their use.
“These findings support anticipatory counseling for patients, monitoring nutrition, and evaluating reversible factors if hair loss becomes prolonged or severe,” Akiska said.
GLP-1 medications were first approved by the FDA in 2005 to treat type 2 diabetes. In recent years, their popularity for weight loss has surged, with usage among obese Americans increasing roughly 700% between 2019 and 2023. One in eight Americans report having used a GLP-1 drug, according to polling by KFF.
Previous studies have linked GLP-1 medications to gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and diarrhea in roughly 10% of patients. Less common risks include pancreatic inflammation and elevated heart rate.
Co-author Savanna Vidal noted that the hair loss observed in the study is non-scarring, meaning hair follicles are not permanently damaged and regrowth is possible. “Rapid weight loss can trigger caloric, protein, and micronutrient deficiencies, which are well-established causes of telogen effluvium,” she said. Patients with iron deficiency, low protein intake, thyroid disorders, or other nutritional deficits may face a higher risk.
Experts highlight the importance of continued research on GLP-1 side effects, particularly in populations underrepresented in clinical trials, such as elderly patients in nursing homes. Elbert Huang, a professor of public health and medicine at the University of Chicago, said, “Long-term effects remain uncertain because these medications are relatively new, and trials often focus on younger, healthier volunteers.”
Steven Malin, a Rutgers University professor of metabolism and endocrinology, stressed the need for doctors to fully inform patients about potential side effects, including hair loss, acne, or muscle cramps. David Sarwer, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University, added that patients should weigh the risks of minor side effects against the life-threatening consequences of untreated obesity.
“Obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue—it can shorten life expectancy,” Sarwer said. “Hair loss is concerning, but it is far less dangerous than the health risks posed by obesity. Patients must be prepared to make dietary and lifestyle changes alongside their medication.”
