Some individuals using the weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic have reported experiencing hair loss as a side effect. This side effect was observed in 3% of patients during an Ozempic clinical trial. Temporary hair loss can occur when the body undergoes significant physical or emotional stress.
Semaglutide, originally developed for diabetes treatment and approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021, has seen a surge in popularity over the past year. With this popularity, there have been widespread reports of side effects from users, such as nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.
One less common but concerning potential side effect associated with this drug, marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is hair loss. Although not listed as a side effect for Ozempic, it was observed in 3% of people in Wegovy clinical trials, as reported by NBC News. Hair loss also appeared in 1% of individuals taking a placebo.
This side effect has been a topic of discussion on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Users on an Ozempic subreddit have shared experiences of shedding hair while brushing or noticing chunks of hair falling out in the shower.
While unsettling, this phenomenon is not unexpected. Temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium or stress shedding, can occur during rapid weight loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Susan Bard, a board-certified dermatologist at Vive Dermatology, explained that intense physical or emotional stress, such as weight loss, can pause non-essential functions like hair growth to conserve nutrients.
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an endocrinologist at New York Endocrinology, noted on TikTok that semaglutide patients should avoid severe calorie restriction, ensure sufficient protein intake, and prioritize good sleep to mitigate this side effect. Hair supplements like Biotin may be helpful, but telogen effluvium typically resolves on its own within several months.
Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at Ohio State University, reassured that telogen effluvium does not lead to complete hair loss or baldness and that hair typically regrows, making it a temporary situation.