A new study suggests that people taking the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy may face a higher risk of hair loss—particularly women.
The preprint study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, found that patients prescribed semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, were 50% more likely to receive a hair loss diagnosis than those taking Contrave (a combination of bupropion and naltrexone), another weight management medication. The findings, though not yet peer-reviewed, are raising concerns among healthcare providers and patients alike.
Hair Loss Risk May Be Gender-Specific
The study, which analyzed medical records from more than 3,200 individuals, revealed a striking gender disparity: women were twice as likely to be diagnosed with hair loss compared to men.
“Hair loss significantly affects quality of life,” said lead author Dr. Mohit Sodhi, a resident emergency physician at the University of British Columbia. “People should be informed of these potential side effects to make educated decisions about treatment.”
Clinical Trials Hint at a Trend
Hair loss has been reported previously in clinical trials of Wegovy. In one trial, 3.3% of participants on Wegovy reported hair shedding, compared to 1.4% in the placebo group. Notably, the study found that greater weight loss correlated with higher hair loss rates.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged receiving reports of hair loss related to GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and has launched an investigation. However, no official updates have been issued regarding these findings.
Why Might Semaglutide Cause Hair Loss?
Although the study does not confirm causality, researchers have several theories.
One likely explanation is telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss triggered by physiological stress—such as rapid weight loss. Semaglutide is known to produce faster weight reduction than other drugs like Contrave, potentially placing more stress on the body.
Another contributing factor may be nutrient deficiency. Semaglutide suppresses appetite and may lead to reduced nutrient intake. It can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which further limit the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
“A lot of people taking these medications, whether they realize it or not, are in a calorie deficit and could become malnourished,” said Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Micronutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins, and selenium, along with adequate protein, are crucial for hair growth.”
Why Are Women More Affected?
The reasons behind the apparent gender disparity remain unclear, but experts believe hormonal changes and iron deficiency may play a role. Rapid weight loss can alter hormone levels in women, sometimes increasing androgens such as testosterone, which are linked to androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair thinning.
Additionally, menstruating women are more prone to iron deficiency, which can exacerbate hair loss.
Similar trends were observed in trials for other GLP-1 drugs. In a clinical trial for Zepbound, 7.1% of women reported hair loss, compared to 0.5% of men.
What This Means for Patients
While the study highlights potential side effects, medical experts urge perspective.
“These medications are designed to improve serious health outcomes like cardiovascular risk and diabetes control,” Dr. Rossi said. “They should not be used solely for cosmetic weight loss goals.”
Monitoring nutrient levels and ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals can help mitigate side effects, he added.
Dr. Sodhi emphasized that the risk-benefit ratio varies greatly between individuals.
“For someone with uncontrolled diabetes or morbid obesity, the benefits of GLP-1 medications may outweigh the risk of hair loss,” he said. “But the calculus is different for someone using it to lose a few pounds for a special event.”
Bottom line: While Wegovy and other GLP-1 drugs remain powerful tools for managing obesity and chronic disease, patients—especially women—should be aware of the potential for hair loss and discuss nutritional support and monitoring with their healthcare providers.
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