Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss? Here’s What to Know
Can Ozempic Make Your Hair Fall Out? Doctors Weigh in…
Over the past few years, the weight loss medication Semaglutide (brand names include Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Mounjaro®) has gone mainstream thanks to our friends in Hollywood and their never-ending body enhancement journeys. And as the drug continues to become a household name, many are raising their brows at the related side effects. Google searches for things like “Ozempic Face” and “Can Ozempic cause hair loss?” are on the rise and we’re here to answer the latter.
Ahead, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Connie Yang (@dr.connieyang) of PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank (@drpauljarrodfrank) breaks down if Ozempic is to blame for hair loss and what a patient can do if they are experiencing major hair fall-out.
What is Ozempic? Here’s what to know:
Semaglutide is essentially a string of amino acids that decreases blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite once injected. The medicine slows gastric emptying which prompts the feeling of being full earlier and removes cravings.
The drug was initially intended for patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight patients to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease through weight loss. But alas, patients’ jaw-dropping weight loss before-and-afters has triggered its not-so-secret rise in popularity.
Can Ozempic cause hair loss? A doctor explains:
In short, the answer is “Yes.” However, the drug itself is not to blame for hair loss, but rather the result of rapid weight loss.
“While hair loss is not a reported side effect from the Ozempic studies, it has been reported by some on the medication,” says Dr. Yang. “A temporary form of hair loss called telogen effluvium can occur when one experiences rapid weight loss. This can be due to a combination of calorie restriction, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal shifts and stress (both physical and psychological), which all impact the normal hair growth cycle,” she concludes.
How severe can Ozempic-related hair loss be?
In addition to temporary hair loss, Dr. Yang shares that some research suggests there are cases where Ozempic users are experiencing hormonal shifts that can contribute to androgenic alopecia AKA a more permanent hair loss. “This is a progressive form of hair loss that is not easily reversed. Treatments are aimed at slowing or halting the [hair loss] progression,” she adds.
But all in all, experiences with Ozempic-related hair loss varies person to person. Some may experience mild shedding while others may notice patches of thinning or balding on the scalp.
Here’s what to know about regrowth: If a weight loss patient experiences hair loss, it can typically take three to four months for the hair to grow back. “Once the body adjusts to the new weight or dietary changes, the hair usually regrows,” assures Dr. Yang.
Here’s how a patient can prevent weight loss-related hair loss:
Here are two ways to prevent weight loss-related hair loss:
- Opt for gradual and sustainable weight loss so the body has time to adjust
- Ensure you are getting proper nutrients to nourish your entire body through the weight loss journey
