Does semaglutide cause hair loss? What you need to know

Key Points

• Semaglutide can cause hair loss in some people
• This hair loss could be due to not eating enough nutrients (for example, protein), stress from losing weight quickly, and hormonal changes
• Hair loss from semaglutide is often temporary and can stop once weight stabilizes and nutrition improves
• A balanced diet, lowering stress, and working with a registered dietitian on nutrition can help minimize the risk of hair loss

If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably seen the success stories: dramatic before-and-after photos from people using semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

But buried in the comment sections, there's another conversation happening: one about unexpected hair loss.

Here's what's actually going on: Semaglutide can indeed cause hair loss in some people, and it may be due to the complex interplay of rapid weight changes, shifting nutritional patterns, and your body's stress response.

Most importantly, this side effect is usually temporary and manageable when you are aware of what you're dealing with.

Can semaglutide make your hair fall out?

"Semaglutide can cause hair loss in a few different ways," says Gia Eapen, MD. "Since the medication significantly decreases appetite, if the person is not maintaining a balanced diet, they may develop nutritional deficiencies that affect hair health. Additionally, rapid weight loss can add stress to the body, leading to hormonal changes that can trigger hair loss.”

However, hair loss is not a very common side effect.

In a Wegovy clinical trial, hair loss was reported in 3.3% of adults using semaglutide. Participants who experienced significant weight loss (20% or more) showed higher rates of hair loss (5.3%) in the clinical study.

Reasons for hair loss on semaglutide

1. Lack of a balanced diet

When semaglutide dramatically reduces your appetite, you might find yourself eating much smaller portions or skipping meals entirely.

While this helps with weight loss, you might miss out on essential nutrients your hair needs to stay healthy, leading to weakening and hair loss.

Protein is an essential building block for hair, since our hair is mainly composed of a protein known as keratin. When your appetite drops dramatically, it can become challenging to consume enough protein. Insufficient protein in your diet can weaken hair, potentially leading to hair loss.

Similarly, deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin may trigger telogen effluvium, a type of hair shedding. The nausea and vomiting that some people experience with semaglutide can also make it harder to absorb nutrients properly. This adds to the risk of not getting what your hair needs to grow.

Eapen, MD, says, "While getting adequate nutrients is crucial for hair health, achieving the right balance is equally important. For example, excessive amounts of Vitamin D can lead to Vitamin D toxicity. This is why it's essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. They can help determine what your body actually needs and ensure you're not overdoing it with any particular nutrient."

2. Stress caused by rapid weight loss

When you lose weight very quickly, it puts your body under stress. Your hair follicles are surprisingly sensitive to this kind of stress. Typically, your hair has a natural growth cycle where it's either growing or resting, but when your body is stressed, it can push hair strands into that "resting" phase earlier than they should be.

Once hair enters this resting phase, it starts to fall out all at once - a condition called telogen effluvium - which is why you might suddenly notice much more hair in your brush or shower drain.

Since semaglutide users can lose an average of 15% of their body weight, some people may experience this type of hair shedding with rapid weight loss.

A study on telogen effluvium and weight loss estimated that, on average, people began to experience hair loss approximately one month after losing weight. The mean weight loss of participants in the study was 15.2%.

This hair loss pattern isn't unique to just medication-induced weight loss. A study on bariatric (weight loss) surgery found that approximately 57% of people experienced hair loss after quick weight reduction.

3. Hormonal imbalances

Semaglutide may cause thyroid hormone fluctuations that may be linked to hair loss.

The hair loss may also be due to other hormonal changes that are not linked to the medication. For example, you may have started on semaglutide but may also be going through menopause.

Similarly, women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) may also experience hair loss. One study found elevated levels of androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone in women with PCOS. Elevated androgen levels may cause hair loss.

How to prevent hair loss on semaglutide

1. Maintain a balanced diet

Registered Dietitian, Rita Faycurry, RD, says, "Proper nutrition is crucial when taking semaglutide," says Rita Faycurry, RD. "Even with a reduced appetite, it's important to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and adequate protein. A registered dietitian can help create personalized nutrition plans that ensure you're getting all the essential nutrients, even when eating smaller portions on GLP-1 medications."

2. Manage stress

Psychological impacts from rapid weight loss can increase stress levels. Practice meditation, yoga, and gentle exercise to minimize stress-related hair loss. Consider getting mental health counseling if you would like professional support and guidance.

3. Consult your healthcare provider

Discuss any increased hair shedding promptly with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether hormonal changes contribute to hair loss and may recommend blood tests to detect nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.

Final thoughts: Does semaglutide cause hair loss?

While semaglutide offers weight loss benefits, it also carries a potential risk of hair loss. On the plus side, most hair loss related to semaglutide is typically temporary and preventable with proper planning.

Eapen, MD, notes, "Hair loss from ozempic (semaglutide) may be temporary. While results vary by individual, hair loss may stop once weight stabilizes and nutritional status improves. This may take 4-6 months. Your healthcare provider can advise you best on timelines based on your unique situation.”

If you're considering semaglutide or currently using it, focus on maintaining excellent nutrition, managing stress, and working closely with your healthcare provider who understands both the benefits and potential side effects. With the right approach, you can maximize the medication's weight loss benefits while minimizing the risk of hair loss.

Get a personalized semaglutide diet plan from a dietitian who accepts your insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you stop hair loss on semaglutide?

Focus on maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein and nutrient intake, managing stress effectively, and working with a registered dietitian to ensure proper nutrition despite reduced appetite. If hair loss persists, consult your doctor about potential hormonal factors or nutrient deficiencies.

Does semaglutide hurt your hair?

Semaglutide may contribute to hair loss through rapid weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal changes.

How long does Ozempic hair loss last?

Semaglutide hair loss is usually temporary. People who experience hair loss while taking semaglutide may see improvement once their weight stabilizes and their nutrition improves. Consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific condition.

Find a weight loss dietitian near you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.