Hair loss linked to rapid weight loss medications raises concerns among users and health experts.
Sophia Umansky, daughter of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards, is speaking out about a surprising and distressing side effect she’s experienced while taking the popular weight-loss medication Mounjaro: hair loss.
The 25-year-old reality star and Buying Beverly Hills cast member took to TikTok to document her experience, revealing that she began noticing “dramatic” hair shedding roughly three months after starting the medication.
“You’re not even seeing half of it,” Umansky said in a candid video while displaying clumps of hair. “At the rate I’m losing it, I’m gonna be bald in a week.”
Though Mounjaro is not officially FDA-approved for weight loss, it has become a go-to off-label option for those seeking appetite suppression and body recomposition. The drug’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, also appears in Zepbound, an FDA-approved weight-loss medication. Both belong to the GLP-1 agonist drug class, known for mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite and digestion.
Hair Loss and Weight Loss: A Known Link
While hair loss is not a documented side effect of Mounjaro itself, experts say rapid weight loss—whether achieved through medication, surgery, or dieting—can cause a condition called telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding triggered by physical stress on the body.
In Sophia’s case, she attributes the hair loss not solely to the medication, but to the nutritional imbalances it may have caused.
“At the beginning, I was just making sure I was eating enough,” she explained. “I wasn’t really thinking about getting enough protein or vitamins.”
Medical literature supports her suspicion. A study in the Annals of Dermatology confirms that sudden weight loss, combined with inadequate intake of nutrients like iron and protein, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and prompt significant shedding.
What You Can Do If You’re Losing Hair on Mounjaro
If you’re using Mounjaro or a similar GLP-1 agonist and experiencing hair thinning, experts recommend the following steps:
Consult a physician to rule out other causes such as thyroid disorders or iron deficiency.
Focus on balanced nutrition, particularly adequate protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron.
Consider supplements if dietary intake is insufficient, especially during periods of appetite suppression.
Monitor stress levels, as psychological stress can compound the effects of telogen effluvium.
Sophia says she’s now prioritizing her nutrition and taking supplements in hopes of reversing the issue: “I’m trying to make up for lost time with vitamins and protein now.”
The Bottom Line
Hair loss associated with rapid weight loss medications may not be permanent, but it can be emotionally taxing. Sophia Umansky’s transparency has opened the door for more conversations around the lesser-known effects of these trending drugs. For users and physicians alike, it’s a reminder that successful weight management should go hand-in-hand with nutrient-rich diets and ongoing health monitoring.
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