Does Wegovy cause hair loss?

Key Points:

• Hair loss on Wegovy is typically caused by "telogen effluvium"—a temporary shedding phase triggered by rapid weight changes and metabolic stress.
• Clinical trials show only 3% of adults using Wegovy reported hair loss.
• Prioritizing high-quality protein and key micronutrients like iron and zinc can help minimize shedding and support faster regrowth.
• It’s almost always temporary. Hair follicles aren't permanently damaged, and most people see full regrowth within six to twelve months once their weight stabilizes.

If you're taking or considering taking Wegovy® and wondering, "Does Wegovy cause hair loss?" you aren't imagining things. While it’s not the most common side effect, it’s a reality for a small percentage of people.

Seeing those extra strands in your brush or at the bottom of the shower can feel disheartening. You’re doing the hard work—making lifestyle shifts, prioritizing your health, and finally seeing the progress you’ve wanted on the scale—but now your hair seems to be paying the price.

But before you panic, let's look at what the science actually says about semaglutide and hair thinning. We’ll dive into why your body is hitting the "pause" button on hair growth, and how we can get your hair back to its healthiest state.

Is hair loss an official side effect of Wegovy?

When Wegovy was first studied in clinical trials, researchers tracked everything from nausea to weight change. Hair loss (medically known as alopecia) wasn't the "headline" side effect.

In those trials, about 3% of adults reported hair loss while taking the 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy (the highest dose). For comparison, only 1% of the people taking a placebo reported thinning. While that is a noticeable difference, it means 97% of people in the trial didn't experience any hair changes at all.

You might notice that Ozempic hair loss is discussed similarly, though Ozempic—the version of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes—actually reports even lower rates. Wegovy and Ozempic are virtually identical, both using semaglutide as their primary ingredient, but are Wegovy is only prescribed for weight loss and Ozempic is only prescribed for type 2 diabetes management. This suggests that the amount and speed of weight loss play a huge role.

💡 Dietitian tip: If you’re worried about thinning, keep a "hair journal." It sounds silly, but tracking when you notice shedding can help you determine if it’s a temporary reaction to a dose increase or something that needs a deeper look from a doctor.

Why your hair might be thinning: Understanding telogen effluvium

So, if Wegovy isn't "toxic" to your hair follicles, why is your hair falling out? The answer lies in a condition called telogen effluvium (TE).

When you lose weight rapidly—as many people do on Wegovy—your body perceives it as a stress event. In response, it starts funneling all its resources (protein, vitamins, and energy) toward your vital organs like your heart, brain, and lungs.

Your hair, unfortunately, is considered non-essential. Many experience hair loss as a result.

The hair growth cycle

Normally, your hair goes through three phases:

1. Anagen (growth): 85–90% of your hair is usually here
2. Catagen (transition): A short rest period
3. Telogen (resting/shedding): About 10% of your hair is usually here

During telogen effluvium, the stress of rapid weight loss shocks your system, pushing a much larger percentage—up to 30%—of your hair follicles into the resting phase at once. Because the resting phase lasts about three months, you usually don't see the shedding the day you start losing weight; rather, it shows up 12 to 16 weeks later.

🌱 Plant-based swap: If you're following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle while on Wegovy, ensure you're getting enough lysine—an amino acid found in beans and lentils—which is essential for iron absorption and hair health.

How nutrition influences hair health

Wegovy works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that tells your brain you’re full. This is fantastic for weight loss, but it can also make it very easy to forget to eat enough of the right things. When you’re in a steep calorie deficit, you might accidentally create nutritional gaps that trigger hair shedding.

Protein: The building block of hair

Your hair is made almost entirely of a protein called keratin. If you aren't eating enough protein, your body won't waste its limited supply on making hair.

Research shows that insufficient protein intake is one of the most common causes of diet-related hair loss. When you're on Wegovy, your appetite is low, so every bite needs to count.

The "Big Three" micronutrients for hair

Beyond protein, there are three specific nutrients that are crucial for your follicles:

1. Iron (ferritin): Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your cells, including your hair follicles. If your ferritin (stored iron) is low, your hair will often be the first thing to thin. Initial research indicates that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy may decrease ferritin levels.
2. Zinc: Zinc plays a vital role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly.
3. Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D are strongly linked to alopecia. Since many of us are deficient anyway, a weight loss journey can make the impact even more obvious.

💡 Dietitian tip: Don't just guess with supplements. High doses of certain vitamins (like vitamin A or selenium) can actually cause more hair loss. Ask your registered dietitian to help you review your bloodwork before starting a new hair vitamin.

Wegovy vs. other weight loss drugs: Is the risk higher?

You might be curious how Wegovy compares to other popular weight loss drugs. New research suggests that semaglutide might have a higher risk of hair loss compared to older weight loss medications like Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone).

This isn't necessarily because semaglutide is "harsher." Rather, it's likely because Wegovy is more effective. It causes more significant weight loss in a shorter period of time than older drugs.

This same phenomenon is well-documented in bariatric surgery patients, where the "shock" to the system is even more profound.

If you’ve read about Mounjaro hair loss or Zepbound hair loss, you'll see a similar pattern. These drugs (tirzepatide) work on two hormone pathways instead of one, often leading to even faster weight loss—and a slightly higher reported rate of temporary shedding.

🌱 Plant-based swap: If you're struggling to meet protein goals because of Wegovy-related nausea, try a high-quality pea protein shake or silken tofu blended into a soup. These are often easier on the stomach than heavy meats.

How to prevent & manage hair loss on Wegovy

The best way to handle hair loss is to get ahead of it. Here are the strategies we recommend to our clients to keep their hair thick while the pounds drop.

1. Focus on a "low & slow" approach

The faster you lose weight, the higher the stress on your body. If you notice significant shedding, talk to your doctor about staying on a lower dose for a bit longer. Slowing down the rate of weight loss can give your metabolism a chance to reset and enable hair growth again.

2. Prioritize at least 80 grams of protein daily

This is often the hardest part when you don't feel hungry, since many sources of protein are pretty filling, but protein is kind of like your hair’s insurance policy. It’s a non-negotiable. Spreading your protein throughout the day can help.

3. Check your labs

Request a full iron panel (including ferritin), vitamin D, and zinc levels. If you are deficient, a targeted supplement under medical supervision can reduce or stop the shedding.

4. Be gentle with your scalp

While your hair is in a "resting" phase, it’s more prone to falling out with physical stress. Avoid tight hairdos, harsh chemical treatments, or excessive heat during the months you're experiencing the most shedding.

💡 Dietitian tip: Consider adding collagen peptides to your morning coffee or tea. While the research is still evolving, some studies suggest that the specific amino acids in collagen can support the skin and scalp environment where hair grows.

Navigating hair loss with weight loss on Wegovy

Losing your hair while trying to find your healthiest self is an emotional rollercoaster. But remember: Wegovy hair loss is almost never permanent.

Once your weight stabilizes and your nutrition catches up, your body will realize the "emergency" is over and shift back into the growth phase. Many clients start to see baby hairs returning within a few months of reaching their maintenance dose.

You don't have to figure this out on your own. A registered dietitian can help you build a "hair-safe" nutrition plan that fits your life and your Wegovy schedule. And with Fay, these expert services are available at little to no cost, thanks to insurance coverage.

Start working with a professional weight loss dietitian today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my hair grow back if I stay on Wegovy?

Yes! In the vast majority of cases, hair begins to regrow even while you are still taking the medication. Regrowth usually starts once your weight stabilizes or your body adjusts to the metabolic changes.

Should I take biotin for Wegovy hair loss?

Biotin is often marketed as a hair miracle, but research suggests it only helps if you actually have a biotin deficiency (which is rare). It’s generally better to focus on a complete multivitamin and adequate protein first.

Can I stop hair loss by quitting Wegovy?

Stopping Wegovy will eventually stop the weight-loss-related stress, but the hair that has already entered the "shedding phase" will still fall out. It’s often better to work on your nutrition and slow down your weight loss rather than quitting the medication abruptly.

Is Wegovy hair loss the same as male pattern baldness?

No. Male pattern baldness (and female pattern hair loss) is hormonal and genetic. Wegovy-related loss (telogen effluvium) is a temporary reaction to stress. However, if you already have thinning hair, the rapid weight loss can sometimes unmask or speed up those existing patterns.

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.