Does Ozempic cause Hair Loss in Women?

A new study has linked semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, to an increased risk of hair loss.

Researchers found that the risk is particularly high for women. However, the study has not yet been peer-reviewed.

The study analysed data from more than 1,900 people prescribed semaglutide and compared them to 1,300 people on the weight-loss drug bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave).

Researchers found that people taking semaglutide had a 50% higher chance of being diagnosed with a hair loss condition. Women faced twice the risk compared to men.

Experts caution that the study does not prove semaglutide causes hair loss but suggests an association. Weight loss itself is a known trigger for hair shedding.

Mir Ali, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Centre at Orange Coast Medical Centre, said:

“We commonly see hair loss in patients who lose significant weight from any methods—medications, diet and exercise, or surgery.”

Hair growth occurs in cycles, and rapid weight loss can disrupt these, leading to shedding.

Ife J Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics and founder of BLCK haircare, said:

“There’s a condition called telogen effluvium that can occur where the hair follicles are pushed into the telogen phase, which is shedding or resting, instead of the growth phase.”

Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, said this is not a surprising finding.

“I have actually seen this phenomenon with all GLP-1s.”

Semaglutide reduces appetite, leading to a lower intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein, which are important for hair health.

Goldenberg said: “Insufficient nutrition could weaken hair follicles and contribute to shedding and thinning.”

He added that the drug may also affect hormones like cortisol, which could impact hair growth, especially in women.

While not everyone on semaglutide will experience hair loss, experts suggest some preventative measures.

Ali said: “Nothing can be done to completely prevent it, but making sure you get enough protein in your diet can help.”

He also recommended taking doctor-approved vitamin supplements. Goldenberg advised monitoring iron and zinc intake to maintain hair health.

Rodney noted that biotin supplements are unlikely to help:

“This is not a biotin deficiency issue. A general supplement might be more useful in this case.”

She also suggested a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to avoid deficiencies that may contribute to hair loss.

For those experiencing hair loss, Rodney recommended using minoxidil, a topical treatment often used for male and female pattern baldness:

“It can also help with temporary hair loss.”

Goldenberg encouraged individuals struggling with hair loss to consult a dermatologist:

“There are multiple regenerative treatments that are readily available today that can help reverse and improve semaglutide-related hair loss.”

Experts also noted that hair loss caused by semaglutide is often temporary.

Ali said: “Once the weight stabilises, the hair tends to come back to what it was before.”