Ozempic, weight loss medication cause hair loss, new study reveals

Semaglutide drugs like Ozepic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity in recent years due to their effectiveness in controlling diabetes and weight loss.

Research has discovered additional benefits beyond those primary uses – but some negative side effects have also appeared.

While gastrointestinal issues are the most common side effects, a recent study by the University of British Columbia linked GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1) -Class of medicines that includes semaglutides-with an increased risk of hair loss.

The researchers analyzed data from 16 million patients from a database of health claims, narrowing it to 1,926 semaglutid users and 1,348 Bupropion-Naltrexone users, another type of weight loss medication.

After adjusting other factors, they found that semaglutidi users were generally 50% more likely to experience hair loss compared to the other group.

Women were more likely to have this result, with twice the risk of men.

‘Not to be surprised’

The researchers were not surprised by the results, according to the author of the co-study Dr. Mahar Etminan, an epidemiologist and CEO of Epilytics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

“There was [previous] Anecdotal reports of hair loss and also hair loss reports in the clinical rehearsals of medication, ”he told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Patrick Davis, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and hair restoration expert, agreed that the findings were not surprising.

“We have heard this anecdotally when patients are advised to surgical restoration of their face after rapid weight loss,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“Hair growth (and loss) depends a lot on factors such as diet, essential vitamins, body stress and genetics.”

The first three factors come into play during weight loss, he noted-“and the loss run by semaglutide is unlikely not to be excluded.”

Previous studies have shown that changes that promote stress or affect a person’s nutritional intake may pose an increased risk of hair loss, the doctor added.

“This study refers that those who lost more than 20% of their body weight had higher levels of hair loss than those who did not,” Davis noted.

“This study theorizes that this may be due to suspected physiological stress, which can be a symptom of such a rapid weight loss.”

Long -term hair loss seems to be more impossible, the doctor said, as the “incentive event” (weight loss and stress) is often normalized as individuals reach their target weight.

Possible restrictions

The study had some restrictions, the Etminan researcher noted.

These include the fact that it could not verify hair loss through medical records, but only identified medical codes for hair loss.

Davis, the plastic surgeon, also noted that this research refers to another study in which Wegovy users had an elevated hair loss risk (3.3%) compared to the placebo group (1.4%).

“While this clearly shows an increased risk, 3.3% is still a very low incidence rate,” he said.

This early study, which was published in the Medrxiv of Preprint Server, has not yet been reviewed by colleagues.

“Future studies are required to ascertain the link between semaglutid and hair loss,” the researchers write.

Doctors’ advice

Those who experience hair loss while taking semaglutides should consult a dermatologist to determine if this is due to a negative effect of these medicines, Etminan advised.

“This is a relatively new side event and it is not much known about it,” he said. “Questions of who is most at risk and if hair loss will return after drug stop can be addressed in future studies.”

Davis agreed, encouraging patients to have an open conversation with their doctor how they can care better about themselves.

“I believe a patient should take into account the possible side effects before taking any medication,” he said.

“While the incidence rate of hair loss is still low, it is a possible trade that a patient should consider.”

Davis also recommends that his patients adopt a “hearty diet” consisting of fiber, protein and nutritional foods to provide proper nutrition while taking a semaglutide drug.

“Not only can it help in hair loss, but most importantly, a strong diet can inhibit the unwanted loss of muscle mass that often occurs,” he said. “A proper diet, conservative weight loss schedule and exercise planning are essential when taking this medicine.”

When contacted by the Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk – the creator of Ozepic and Wegovy – confirmed that hair loss is a risk identified for semaglutides, and is ranked as a side effect on product information.

“In Wegovy’s clinical tests, hair loss was reported in 2.5% of adult patients treated with Wegovy against 1.0% of adult patients treated with placebo,” the company spokesman said.

“Hair loss was most often reported in patients with greater weight loss (≥ 20%), suggesting that hair loss events were potentially related to weight loss size.”

“The patient’s safety is of great importance to Novo Nordisk,” the statement continued. “We are constantly monitoring the safety profile of our products and working closely with the authorities to ensure the patient’s safety, including adequate hair loss information.”

The study was funded by internal research funds by the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of British Columbia, the journal article reads.