This article is first seen at Medscape.
Citation: Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss? – Medscape – May 25, 2023
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Is there a reason for concern regarding hair loss when using Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro for weight loss (with the latter two being used off-label)?
According to the consensus among dermatologists and endocrinologists consulted by Medscape, there is no reason to be concerned.
One expert stated that individuals should consider the benefits of treating obesity compared to the potential risks of the therapy, which include a low risk of experiencing temporary hair loss.
Is It the Drug or the Rapid Weight Loss?
Dr. Lynne J. Goldberg, a dermatology and pathology professor at Boston University School of Medicine, and the director of the hair clinic at Boston Medical Center, mentioned that she hasn’t seen patients complaining of hair loss from these drugs. However, she acknowledged that it might just be a matter of time before such cases emerge.
According to Dr. Katharine H. Saunders, an obesity medicine physician and co-founder of Intellihealth, as well as an assistant professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, some of her patients experience hair loss during weight loss, primarily due to the weight loss itself rather than as a side effect of these medications.
“Hair loss from rapid weight loss is very common [and] not necessarily a side effect of the medication itself but more as a result of how quickly the weight loss occurs,” echoed Susan Massick, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Ohio State University, and a dermatologist at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center.
Anne Peters, MD, the director of the USC Clinical Diabetes Programs in Los Angeles, noted that hair loss is a complex issue. She explained that losing weight or making dietary changes can cause hair loss, and stress can also be a contributing factor. As a result, it becomes challenging to determine whether the hair loss is related to the medication or other factors such as weight loss or stress.
Hair loss due to rapid weight loss could be caused by an anti-obesity medication, but it could also occur with other obesity treatments, such as bariatric surgery or drastic dietary changes.
Slow and Steady Weight Loss Rather Than Rapid
Experts recommend opting for a gradual and consistent approach to weight loss instead of rapid methods. Patients should strive for slow and steady weight loss and adhere to any vitamin or mineral supplementation plan prescribed to them. Those undergoing bariatric surgery receive nutritional guidance and a supplementation plan.
Link to the full Article (Medscape):
Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss? (medscape.com)
Link to the full Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
