As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to surge in use, a study from George Washington University researchers suggests an under-recognized side effect may be emerging: hair loss.
A large multicenter cohort study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists had a significantly higher risk of non-scarring hair loss compared with matched controls. Using data from nearly 550,000 patients, researchers observed increased odds of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia at 12 months—independent of age, sex, BMI, and diabetes status.
While weight loss itself is known to trigger temporary shedding, the study goes further by showing distinct hair-loss patterns that appear more common among GLP-1 users, suggesting the risk may not be explained by dieting alone.
Why this matters now: GLP-1s are being used by millions of Americans for diabetes and obesity• Hair loss is a distressing side effect that can affect adherence and quality of life. Physicians may not be counseling patients about this potential risk
