Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?

WHY IT MATTERS: As Ozempic gains traction as a weight loss drug, so does the word about its side effects, particularly hair loss. While there is no evidence that Ozempic and other GLP-1 directly cause hair loss, some patients may experience hair loss if they’re not following a nutritious, high-protein diet. 

Here, we’ll dig into how Ozempic works, its possible links to hair loss, and how to prevent it.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and is approved for medication-assisted weight loss. Its active substance, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. It works by triggering insulin production to control blood glucose levels when you eat. 

Ozempic can lead to weight loss by suppressing appetite and making you feel full longer. As a GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic affects the part of your brain that controls your appetite by increasing feelings of satiety. It also slows the movement of food through your stomach, known as delayed gastric emptying, so you feel full longer. This class of medications has been in use since 2004 with a solid safety profile. 

Does Ozempic cause hair loss?

In short, no: Ozempic does not directly cause hair loss and is not listed as a common side effect of the medication. However, patients who don’t follow the proper diet protocols may experience nutrient deficiencies that could lead to hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiency and Stress Trigger Telogen Effluvium 

Due to chronic caloric restriction, Ozempic-induced rapid weight loss may result in telogen effluvium (TE). TE occurs when more hair follicles than normal enter the resting (telogen) phase and shed. Under normal circumstances, your hair undergoes three phases: 

1. The anagen phase is when your hair is growing. This lasts for several years.

2. The catagen phase is when your hair stops growing and separates from the follicle. This lasts a few weeks.

3. The telogen phase is the resting phase before hair falls out. It lasts two to three months.

Stress on the body, which can be caused by rapid weight loss, can lead to more hair than usual entering the telogen phase and shedding prematurely. While this occurs, new hair doesn’t enter the anagen phase, so new growth isn’t replacing the increased shedding.

It typically happens gradually, about two to three months after the stressor occurs. Fortunately, this condition is temporary, and your hair will likely grow back once your body adjusts. 

Nutrient Deficiencies and Hair Loss

If you’re taking Ozempic, it’s important to follow an appropriate dosing schedule overseen by a knowledgeable practitioner who works in the weight loss space. They can recommend proper nutrition, helping lessen the risk of hair loss.

Consuming the right amounts of whole-nutrient, protein-dense foods can help you avoid nutritional deficiencies like lack of iron and vitamin D, two main culprits for hair loss. Vitamin D receptors play an essential role in hair follicle cycling, so insufficient Vitamin D levels can impact hair growth. Iron is vital for oxygen transport to the hair follicles, which helps them grow and repair. Hair shedding is typically the first sign of an iron deficiency for women.

Protein malnutrition can also contribute to hair loss. When your body isn’t getting sufficient protein, it will prioritize necessary functions like digestion, hormone production, and tissue repair. Since hair growth doesn’t keep you alive, your body will de-prioritize it, and your hair won’t get what it needs to grow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

When taking medications like Ozempic, the proper diet can help ensure you get enough of these necessary nutrients to reduce your risk of hair loss.

How Can We Help?

Getting the proper support during your weight loss journey is critical to long-term success. Marek Health coaches can help you drop the weight–safely and effectively–while minimizing nutrition deficiencies that can lead to hair loss. Schedule a FREE intro call today.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your wellness routine.