Mounjaro is a medication originally used to treat type-2 diabetes but has now become a popular aid for weight loss. It works by reducing your appetite and keeping you full for longer. Right now, it is estimated about 1.5 million people in the UK are using weight loss jabs like Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy to shed pounds. If you’re thinking about trying Mounjaro to help you lose weight, it’s important to consider the potential side effects, one of which is alopecia (hair loss).
Hair loss is listed as a common (may affect between 1 and 10 people) adverse event in the patient information leaflet of Mounjaro. It’s not just Mounjaro, hair loss is associated with other rapid weight reduction techniques, such as gastric bands. It’s not believed to be a direct side effect of the medication itself but brought about by the stress of extreme or rapid weight loss.
Why might Mounjaro cause me to lose hair?
Technically, Mounjaro itself isn’t thought to cause hair loss, but sudden and rapid weight loss can bring about some unwanted side effects like hair thinning or shedding. A 2022 clinical study found that 4.9-5.7% of patients experienced hair loss on a 5-15mg dose, compared to just 0.9% in the placebo group.
Telogen effluvium
A stressful event like childbirth, surgery, or rapid weight loss can cause a temporary form of hair loss, which is called telogen effluvium.
It is normal to lose anywhere from 30-150 hairs per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. Telogen effluvium is when more hairs than usual are shed, leading to noticeable hair loss. It is caused by a disruption to the ordinary hair growth cycle, when more hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase from anagen (growth) phase than usual. Typically about 10% of the hair on your head would be in the telogen phase, but in somebody with telogen effluvium, that number could jump to 30%.
If you are not eating enough while using Mounjaro, you might be missing out on vital nutrients needed to support bodily functions, like hair growth. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin are essential for keeping the hair growth cycle ticking along as it should. Telogen effluvium can be associated with rapid weight loss from crash dieting or calorie restriction, not just weight loss jabs.
Is it permanent?
The good news is that telogen effluvium is usually temporary and reversible. Once the trigger causing the stress is corrected or removed, hair growth should go back to normal without any specific treatment. If your hair loss is linked to a weight loss drug like Mounjaro, you should make sure you are eating a nutritionally complete and balanced diet and getting enough calories per day.
How can I prevent hair loss with Mounjaro?
Hair loss can be an unsettling side effect of rapid weight loss, but it usually resolves on its own once body weight stabilises. Taking the necessary precautions right off the bat can help avoid hair loss altogether:
Slow and steady
The NHS recommends that 0.5-1kg of weight is a safe amount to lose per week. If you lose weight steadily over time, you are less likely to experience telogen effluvium. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Balanced diet
Make sure you’re getting all the micro and macronutrients your body needs. That means more than just your 5-a-day—your diet should also include enough protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. We would recommend following a structured dietary plan or working with a dietitian to make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Supplements
It may help to take dietary supplements or a multivitamin, just to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals required.
A little bit of self-care can go a long way in supporting your hair and your health on your weight loss journey.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
