Mounjaro, a medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, has also gained popularity as a weight loss aid. But can it cause hair loss? Here’s what medical experts say.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), an injectable prescription drug developed by Eli Lilly, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Administered once weekly under the skin—typically in the stomach, upper arm, or thigh—it has recently drawn attention for its off-label use in aiding weight loss. However, alongside its benefits, users are raising concerns about a lesser-known side effect: hair loss.
Understanding How Mounjaro Works
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications known as dual agonists. It activates two types of gut hormone receptors—GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)—which help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Ratnesh Jenaw, this dual action contributes both to blood sugar control and weight reduction.
Common Side Effects of Mounjaro
As with many medications, Mounjaro comes with potential side effects. Nausea, indigestion, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and constipation are among the most frequently reported, according to research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. These symptoms typically diminish as the body adjusts to the treatment, says Dr. Jenaw.
Hair Loss: A Growing Concern Among Users
Recently, patients—including public figures like Sophia Umansky—have reported experiencing hair loss while taking Mounjaro. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that tirzepatide may disrupt the normal hair follicle cycle, potentially contributing to conditions such as telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding) or androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).
However, aesthetic physician and cosmetologist Dr. Karuna Malhotra notes that the medication itself may not be the direct cause. “Rapid weight loss, rather than the drug, is often the trigger. This kind of stress can prompt telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase,” she explains.
Hair loss during weight loss is usually a temporary response to sudden changes in the body, including hormonal fluctuations, restricted calorie intake, and nutrient deficiencies—especially in protein, iron, and essential vitamins.
How to Prevent Hair Loss While Taking Mounjaro
If you’re concerned about hair thinning while using Mounjaro, medical experts recommend several strategies to help maintain healthy hair:
1. Prioritize Protein Intake
Hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. Without adequate dietary protein, the body may redirect nutrients to essential organs, slowing hair growth. Dr. Jenaw advises consuming protein-rich foods such as eggs, lentils, lean meats, tofu, cottage cheese, and quinoa. The recommended daily intake is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
2. Take Multivitamin Supplements
Dr. Malhotra highlights the importance of vitamins and minerals in hair health. Deficiencies in iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D—common in calorie-restricted diets—can exacerbate hair loss. A quality multivitamin or targeted supplementation may help restore these nutrients.
3. Avoid Crash Diets
Extreme calorie deficits can accelerate hair shedding. “Gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is safer for long-term success and hair retention,” says Dr. Malhotra.
4. Use Gentle Hair Care Products
Harsh shampoos with sulfates or alcohol can dry out the scalp and make hair brittle. Experts recommend sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners with ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, biotin, or keratin.
5. Manage Stress Levels
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Incorporating stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, or time in nature can support overall wellness and minimize hair shedding.
6. Massage Your Scalp
Regular scalp massages improve blood circulation and promote hair follicle health. Dr. Malhotra suggests massaging with warm oils like rosemary, castor, coconut, or argan oil two to three times a week.
7. Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is crucial for cellular function, including hair growth. Dehydration can contribute to dull, brittle hair. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, and more if you’re physically active.
While Mounjaro may be associated with hair loss, the medication itself is not necessarily to blame. Instead, rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies are often the culprits. With the right dietary, lifestyle, and self-care practices, users can minimize the risk of hair shedding and maintain healthy hair throughout their weight loss journey.
Related topics:
- Hair Oils vs. Serums: Experts Weigh In on the Best Formula for Hair Growth
- Is Hair Restoration Really Effective?
- The Best Hair Restoration Methods
