Dr. Dmitri Wall is a Consultant Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon and Hair Researcher at HRBR. With subspecialist training in hair and scalp disorders, Dr. Wall is an active contributor to peer-reviewed research and serves as an Associate Professor at the UCD School of Medicine. In this article, he addresses a growing concern among patients taking weight loss medications like Ozempic: can they cause hair loss?
Understanding the Link Between Ozempic and Hair Shedding
Ozempic is a medication approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, has been widely prescribed for weight loss. As more patients begin to use this medication for weight loss, reports of hair shedding have emerged. But is there a direct link?
While definitive data is still lacking, anecdotal and clinical reports suggest that some patients using Ozempic and other similar medications may experience increased hair shedding. This condition is most often consistent with telogen effluvium, a common and usually temporary form of diffuse hair loss.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely shift from the growing (anagen) phase to the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle, leading to noticeable shedding. Known triggers include major weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, illness, surgery, hormonal shifts, and medications. Given that Ozempic and similar medications often result in rapid or significant weight loss, this could be the most plausible explanation for hair shedding seen in users.
Emerging Theories: Could Ozempic Directly Affect Hair Biology?
Although telogen effluvium due to weight loss is a well-documented phenomenon, researchers are exploring whether medications like Ozempic may directly influence hair follicle biology. Early data estimates that approximately 7% of patients may experience hair shedding while on these medications. This figure remains fluid and will be refined as more real-world data is collected and analysed.
Interestingly, a published case report has documented hair regrowth in a patient using a weight loss medication, raising the possibility that these types of medications may have variable effects on hair.
Current Medical Guidance and Prognosis
The encouraging news is that in the majority of cases, this type of hair shedding is temporary. As weight loss plateaus and the body adapts to its new baseline, hair growth typically resumes. Most patients will notice an improvement in hair density within several months, although the regrowth cycle can take time.
Final Thoughts
While current evidence suggests that Ozempic may contribute to temporary hair shedding in a subset of patients, it is not likely due to a direct toxic effect on hair follicles. As awareness and usage of weight loss medications like Ozempic grow, more robust clinical data will help clarify the incidence and mechanisms involved.
Patients experiencing hair loss should speak with their doctor to assess potential contributing factors and explore management strategies.
If you have concerns about hair loss or would like to consult with a specialist, please don’t hesitate to contact HRBR.
About the Author
Dr Dmitri Wall
Dermatologist
MB BCh BAO RCP
Dr Wall contributes to a number of national and international committees and projects, such as the European Reference Network for Rare and Undiagnosed Skin Disease (ERN Skin), for which he is the eHealth lead, and the British Association of Dermatologists Health Informatics Sub Committee. He has presented regularly at national and international dermatology meetings, such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology annual meetings.
