Weight loss drugs linked to loss of hair in major new study. Weight loss drugs have been linked to hair loss, a new study has claimed.
On the reasons why people may suffer hair loss while on the drugs, the team said the “most likely mechanism” relates to weight loss and “reduced caloric intake”, though more research is needed.
Details
People on GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy, have been reporting hair loss to regulators and a new study on around 50,000 people appears to support the link.
The team from the University of Pennsylvania Health System noted that regulators in the US have been informed of the link between the drugs and hair loss, particularly for semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
For the new study, the team looked at people with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 receptor agonists or other types of diabetes drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors, or DPP-4 inhibitors.
Experts used data to compare rates of alopecia hair loss in adults using GLP-1s to manage diabetes with those on other drugs.
It has also received 148 reports of hair loss linked to semaglutide, alongside 164 reports last year, according to the latest reporting on the story.
Available information indicates that GLP-1s were also linked to a 68% higher risk of hair loss than use of DPP-4 inhibitors.
So far in 2026, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 399 reports of hair loss relating to tirzepatide, alongside 541 last year.
After adjusting for factors that could influence the results, such as age and weight, researchers found using GLP-1 drugs were associated with a 37% higher risk of alopecia than use of SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Statements
«Although hair loss does not typically result in physical harm, it may have significant psychosocial consequences, affecting self-esteem, quality of life, and adherence to treatment.»
«contribute to physiological stress and micronutrient deficiencies (for example, iron, zinc, biotin), which can disrupt the hair growth cycle»
Context
wrote in the British Medical Journal (BMJ): “Case reports and analyses of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Adverse Event Reporting System have described occurrences of hair loss following initiation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Available information indicates that The study looked at 50,000 people on GLP-1 agonist drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
On Wednesday it was revealed the drugs have also been linked to a fall in the number of people who are dependent on alcohol being admitted to hospital, in a development tied to the same story.
As many Americans continue to use weight loss drugs to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, pharmacists and experts have warned about the potential risks of patient "undernutrition," and have shared dietary guidance with Newsweek for those taking the drugs.
Patients can consume too little protein, leading to a loss of lean muscle mass during weight loss, Stanford said.
