Hormonal
Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide and tirzepatide) is associated with an increased risk of alopecia, potentially mediated by rapid weight loss-induced telogen effluvium or direct receptor interaction in hair follicles.
If you are taking semaglutide or tirzepatide and notice increased hair shedding, do not panic. This is likely telogen effluvium caused by rapid weight loss or metabolic stress, which is usually reversible. Ensure you are eating enough protein and nutrients. Talk to your doctor; they may adjust your plan or provide reassurance, but stopping the medication abruptly is rarely necessary unless the shedding is severe.
Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and alopecia... semaglutide and tirzepatide... have been implicated in hair loss.
Why this rating
Based on disproportionality analysis (FAERS) and case reports, not randomized controlled trials; causality is not yet proven.
Source
Exploring the hair loss risk in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists: Emerging concerns and clinical implications
Michael Buontempo et al. · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2025
DOI 10.1111/jdv.20512
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
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