Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat type-2 diabetes. But recently it has gained popularity as an off-the-label treatment for weight management in non-diabetics.
You might have also heard Ozempic mentioned along with other brand names, like Wegovy or Mounjaro, being touted as a ‘miracle cure’ for obesity. You may have also heard that Ozempic is causing hair loss, or perhaps you are experiencing this yourself.
But what exactly is Ozempic, and how does it work? And does Ozempic actually cause hair loss?
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called semaglutides. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is produced naturally by the body when we eat to control blood sugar levels and help us feel full.
By mimicking the action of GLP-1, Ozempic stimulates the secretion of insulin - a hormone produced by the pancreas to reduce blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into the cells.
At the same time, it suppresses the release of another hormone called glucagon, which is responsible for promoting the release of glucose into the bloodstream. It also slows down the rate at which food is digested and reduces appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer.
But does it cause hair loss?
Ozempic is not clinically proven to cause hair loss, and hair loss is not listed as a known side effect. This is also true for other brands like Mounjaro or Wegovy. Some clinical trials suggest hair loss may be associated with these drugs, but more evidence is needed before drawing definitive conclusions.
A 2022 trial found that 3% of people using Wegovy, another semaglutide drug, reported experiencing hair loss, compared to 1% of the participants in the placebo group. Trials for Mounjaro and Zepbound, which use a different active ingredient called tirzepatide, both reported hair loss in approximately 4-5.7% of participants.
Although hair loss might not be a direct side effect of these medications, people using them for weight loss run the risk of not eating enough or may be missing out on vital nutrients and minerals. So why might somebody using Ozempic notice sudden hair loss? There are a couple of possible causes…
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia, just like androgenetic alopecia (the technical name for male pattern baldness). While male pattern baldness is driven by genetics, telogen effluvium is hair loss caused by stress or a sudden change in the body, like rapid weight loss.
Telogen effluvium occurs when hair follicles in the anagen (growth) phase prematurely enter the telogen (shedding) phase. Normally, about 5% of your hair is in the shedding phase, but a stressful change in the body - such as extreme weight loss - can cause more hairs to enter the telogen phase before they are ready, leading to sudden hair shedding. This typically happens within 2-3 months of the stress being introduced, so you might notice sudden hair loss after a couple of months of starting weight loss injections.
Restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies, meaning the body isn’t getting the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. So, while these medications may not directly cause hair loss, an unintended side effect could be hair loss. Vitamins like magnesium, biotin, and iron are crucial for maintaining hair health and supporting other vital bodily functions.
Hormonal Changes
Ozempic and other weight loss medications can cause hormonal fluctuations, particularly with insulin levels, which may impact the hair growth cycle. More research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
What can I do about my hair loss?
The good news is any hair loss associated with medications such as Ozempic is typically temporary and should resolve once body weight stablilises and healthier lifestyle changes are made. If you’re worried about your hairline when using a medication like Ozempic to manage your weight, there are steps you can take to avoid hair loss and generally make sure you are staying healthy.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Make sure you get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your hair health. If you are using a medication like Ozempic as a weight management tool, work with your doctor to create a healthy eating plan that ensures you are getting the nutrients you need.
Nutritional supplements
Can be a great help is making sure you’re getting the essential vitamins you need to support healthy hair. Our Hair Growth Complex contains a unique blend of 9 natural ingredients that your hair needs to thrive. To name just a few, the HGC contains magnesium, zinc, and biotin which are vital in regulating the hair growth cycle and maintaining hair quality and strength.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical hair spray that is clinically proven to prevent further hair loss and promote regrowth. It is a vasodilator, which means it promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, sending a good supply of oxygen and nutrients and creating an optimal environment for the hair follicles to thrive.
Make sure you are looking after yourself. If you think you are experiencing hair loss due to Ozempic, Sons is here to help guide you on your hair loss journey.
By Erin Flanagan Heviken - Sons aftercare team
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
