Does Ozempic® Cause Hair Loss? Exploring Side Effects
Does Ozempic® cause hair loss? Explore the reasons behind this potential side effect and effective ways to manage and prevent hair loss while on Ozempic®.
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- Understanding Ozempic®
- Ozempic® and Hair Loss
- Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?
- Managing Hair Loss While Losing Weight on Ozempic®
- Key Takeaways
Are you curious whether Ozempic can cause hair loss? Learn more about Ozempic and hair loss, potential side effects, and how to manage them effectively.
Understanding Ozempic®
Ozempic®, a popular glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, is primarily used for weight loss and diabetes management. (1,2) Its primary active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which regulates insulin and glucagon secretion to regulate blood sugar, in addition to working on centers in the brain to reduce cravings and appetite. (2) Ozempic® additionally works by slowing down digestion, which helps individuals feel fuller for longer periods. (1) By working through these various mechanisms, Ozempic® can lead to significant weight loss, which is beneficial for improving other related conditions such as high blood pressure and even heart disease. (1-3)
Ozempic® and Hair Loss
While studies have shown Ozempic® to be quite effective in controlling blood sugar levels and aiding in weight reduction, users often experience side effects. (1) The most common side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach upset. (1) Although less frequent, hair loss has also been observed in some individuals using semaglutide for weight loss. (4,5) While uncommon, this side effect can be alarming and may raise questions about the medication's safety and suitability. If you're worried about hair loss with Ozempic®, read on – we'll explore whether Ozempic can cause hair loss, why it might happen, and what you can do to manage it.
Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not listed as a side effect of Ozempic®. (1) However, as stated, some users of semaglutide (primary active ingredient) have reported experiencing it. (4,5) Hair loss in these cases is likely related to the body's stress response from rapid weight loss rather than a direct effect of the medication.
Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss, occurs when physical or emotional stress or bodily changes disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. (6) In a healthy individual’s scalp, approximately 85% of the hair is in the anagen phase (active hair growth), while about 15% is in the telogen phase (resting without growing). (6) During rapid weight loss, the metabolic stress on the body can cause more hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase, which can result in increased shedding and thinning of the hair. (6)
Key Point: Current evidence suggests that hair loss is more likely an indirect consequence of the body's stress response to rapid weight loss rather than a direct effect of the medication.
Managing Hair Loss While Losing Weight on Ozempic®
If you experience hair loss while on Ozempic®, it may be a sign that you’re losing weight too quickly and putting unnecessary stress on your body. While weight loss is the goal, it’s important to prioritize slow and sustainable weight loss that’s gentle on your body. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to manage hair thinning. By making adjustments and correcting your diet, your hair loss will improve and eventually go back to normal.
The first step is to consider your diet while taking Ozempic®. Make sure you're consuming enough calories each day to keep your energy levels up and support overall well-being. While a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, it’s important not to go too low. At Mochi Health, you’ll have access to a registered dietitian who can help determine the ideal calorie intake to meet your goals.
The next step is to ensure you’re getting essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and zinc, which can support proper hair health. (7) Make sure that your diet includes a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, plenty of lean proteins, and whole grains to support hair growth. You can also consider adding supplements to support hair growth if recommended by your healthcare provider.
In the meantime, consider using gentle hair care products and avoid excessive styling or heat treatments that can further damage hair. Gentle handling of hair, avoiding tight hairstyles, and protecting hair from harsh environmental factors can also reduce breakage and shedding while you wait for your hair to return to its normal state.
If you experience hair loss while on Ozempic®, it’s important to talk with your doctor openly about your concerns. Although hair loss can sometimes result from the body’s stress response to weight loss, it may also signal other issues such as thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, an iron deficiency, or side effects from other medications. Speak with your doctor to identify and address any underlying concerns as needed.
Key Takeaways
While hair loss can be a side effect of rapid weight loss, it may be reversible if the right steps are taken to correct it. Though hair loss is not an explicit side effect of Ozempic®, some users may experience it, and this can be distressing. By understanding the potential causes and taking steps to manage it, you can mitigate its impact. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice to ensure your weight loss efforts are safe and effective.
Find out if you are eligible for Ozempic® and other weight-loss medications by visiting Mochi Health.
Sources
- Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection prescribing information, revised 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf
- 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. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Bacon, S. L., Sherwood, A., Hinderliter, A., & Blumenthal, J. A. (2004). Effects of exercise, diet and weight loss on high blood pressure. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 34(5), 307–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15107009/
- Tran, M. M., Mirza, F. N., Lee, A. C., Goldbach, H. S., Libby, T. J., & Wisco, O. J. (2024). Dermatologic findings associated with semaglutide use: A scoping review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 91(1), 166–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.03.021
- Nakhla, M., Nair, A., Balani, P., Ujjawal, A., Arun Kumar, P., Dasari, M., Yukselen, Z., Bansal, K., Ganatra, S., & Dani, S. S. (2024). Risk of Suicide, Hair Loss, and Aspiration with GLP1-Receptor Agonists and Other Diabetic Agents: A Real-World Pharmacovigilance Study. Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 10.1007/s10557-024-07613-w. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-024-07613-w
- Hughes EC, Syed HA, Saleh D. Telogen Effluvium. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/
- 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://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
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