Weight loss drugs 'linked to hair loss' - study
A new study involving 50,000 patients suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are linked to a higher risk of hair loss. Researchers found that users of these weight loss and diabetes medications had a significantly higher incidence of alopecia compared to those on other treatments.
Why it matters
As the popularity of these drugs grows, understanding their side-effect profiles is critical for patient safety and medical regulation.
Weight loss and diabetes drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy are linked to an increased risk of hair loss, according to researchers.
People on GLP-1 agonist drugs have been reporting hair loss to regulators, but a new study on around 50,000 people appears to firm up the link.
Experts used electronic patient data from the University of Pennsylvania Health System to compare rates of alopecia hair loss in adults using GLP-1s to manage diabetes with those on other drugs.
The team noted that regulators in the US have been informed of the link between the drugs and hair loss, particularly for semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
So far in 2026, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received 399 reports of hair loss relating to tirzepatide, alongside 541 last year.
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