Does Wegovy Cause Hair Loss? Causes and Treatment

What Is Wegovy?

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Wegovy is a prescription medication FDA-approved for weight management. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Wegovy works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and food intake. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, the same one used in Ozempic, which is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise in adults and can serve as a highly effective weight management tool for:

1. Individuals who are obese (BMI ≥ 30), or
2. Individuals who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and confronting a serious weight-related condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol (1) 

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Does Wegovy Cause Hair Loss?

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The mechanism that Wegovy itself does not cause hair loss. However, drastic weight loss, no matter how it is achieved, can trigger temporary hair loss.  

Clinical studies have shown an association with hair loss while on GLP-1 medications. One study found that approximately 5% of patients on Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication otherwise known as tirzepatide, experienced this unwelcome side effect (2). Wegovy’s fine print shows that around 4% of patients on this medication may experience hair loss. 

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Why Does Wegovy Cause Hair Loss? 

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Losing weight, even as modest as 5% of body fat, offers numerous advantages, such as lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (3). While there are numerous benefits to using Wegovy, there are potential drawbacks of which to be aware.. Common side effects are generally gastrointestinal and may include diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (4). 

As mentioned, Wegovy itself is not believed to be a direct cause of hair loss. However, rapid weight loss over a short period, regardless of the method used, can potentially lead to hair loss (5, 6). Further research is necessary for clarification, but the hair loss you may have heard about is likely attributed to the metabolic strain on the body resulting from the rapid weight reduction. Stress can cause something called telogen effluvium, a medical term used to describe the shedding of hair during the resting, or "telogen", phase of the hair's natural growth cycle. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium, causing a significant number of hair follicles to enter the resting and shedding phase (7). This condition isn't solely tied to stress from extreme weight loss; it can be prompted by various stressors, including prolonged illness, severe injury, childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and emotional stress (7).

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Common questions about Wegovy and hair loss

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Is Hair Loss From Wegovy Permanent?

Hair loss generally presents around three months following the start of rapid weight loss and is usually temporary. Once your weight stabilizes and your body adapts to its new state, this side effect induced by metabolic strain is likely to diminish, and your hair will likely regrow (7).

Is Hair Loss From Wegovy Preventable?

Although it's impossible to predict who will experience hair thinning while taking Wegovy, several measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

• Meet with your healthcare provider: Have a discussion about any concerns regarding hair loss. They can offer personalized guidance and potentially adjust your medication regimen if necessary to slow down weight loss, thereby reducing the risk of unwanted side effects like hair thinning.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, which provide essential vitamins and minerals crucial for hair health. Iron, zinc, and biotin may help minimize hair loss (7).
• Employ gentle hair care practices: Use mild shampoos, avoid excessive heat styling, and minimize actions that may stress the hair follicles, like tight hairstyles or frequent hair pulling, to help prevent further hair thinning.

Do other GLP-1 Medications Cause Hair Loss?

Other GLP-1 medications have been shown to be associated with hair loss such as Mounjaro. This is likely due to the rapid weight loss associated with the medication. 

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More on Wegovy and Weight Loss

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Our $79 monthly membership includes virtual visits with a Mochi provider, unlimited appointments with a registered dietitian, an online support group, access to sleep apnea testing, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, genetic testing, and labs and scans. Brand-name medication pricing depends on your insurance coverage. We also offer compounded medication as a safe and cost-effective alternative! Delivered straight to your door, you can get compounded semaglutide for $175/month and tirzepatide for $325/month, regardless of dose! See if you qualify for our program now. 

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Sources: 

1. Wilding JP, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.: Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021, 384:989-1002. 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
2. Moll, Hannah, et al. “A Living Benefit-Harm Modelling Study of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Reduction in Non-Diabetic Obese and Overweight Individuals.” SSRN, 1 Feb. 2024, papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4709105. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024. 
3. Knowler, W. C., Barrett-Connor, E., Fowler, S. E., Hamman, R. F., Lachin, J. M., Walker, E. A., Nathan, D. M., & Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group (2002). Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. The New England journal of medicine, 346(6), 393–403. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1056/NEJMoa012512
4. “Wegovy® Side Effects: Wegovy® (SEMAGLUTIDE) Injection 2.4 Mg.” Wegovy® Side Effects | Wegovy® (Semaglutide) Injection 2.4 Mg, www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/side-effects.html. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024. 
5. Hughes EC, Saleh D. Telogen Effluvium. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/#
6. Asghar F, Shamim N, Farooque U, Sheikh H, Aqeel R. Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. 2020 May 27;12(5):e8320. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8320. PMID: 32607303; PMCID: PMC7320655.
7. Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6