Do GLPs cause hair loss?
All over the news you will see headlines of GLPs causing hair loss. And the marketing machine has jumped on this. Constant ads for hair treatments are whipping up this fervor, telling the growing number of GLP patients that they need to be on hair loss medications. It was even in Vogue Magazine (see photo). There is validity here.
What is the theory behind GLPs causing hair loss?
There is some basic common sense which would give credence to this notion.
- Rapid weight loss can shock the system, and throw your hair into telogen effluvium (hair shedding)
- Nutritional issues can happen. Many of those on GLPs have little hunger. This can cause nutrient deficiencies like zinc and iron.
- Hormonal changes can happen with GLPs and this could lead to hair loss.
- It may disrupt hair growth cycles or premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
- Many of those who are doing these medications are already at high risk for hair loss: middle to older aged men and women, menopause, etc.
There are some who postulate that GLPs could IMPROVE hair
- Improved diabetes control
- Improved scalp blood flow
What do scientific studies show about GLPs and hair loss?
This is a new area of medicine, and the jury is out. There is NO clear association between GLPs and hair loss, and what evidence there seems to be, seems to focus on the rate of hair loss, the magnitude (those who are losing more weight are more likely to have issues) and nutritional issues.
“GLP-1 agonists and hair loss: a call for further investigation” was published in the International Journal of Dermatology in September 2024. They conclude that we don’t know. “The necessity for vigilant patient monitoring and collaborative efforts cannot be overstressed in comprehensively addressing any potential consequences of GLP-1 agonist therapy on hair health as their use continues to expand.”
A study published in Sept 2025, “Exploring the Impact of GLP-1 Agonist Medications on Hair Loss” in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology did a retrospective review on 283 patients on GLPs, and did think trends suggest a potential increase in hair loss associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide use. “Our findings highlight important areas for future investigation. The potential dual effects of GLP-1R agonists on hair health, both protective and disruptive, underscore the complexity of these medications.”
What do we advise at Biohackr Health to avoid GLP hair loss?
We do GLP treatments at our San Francisco and Palo Alto Clinics. Our medical weight loss clinics have many evaluations to help you lose weight in a controlled way to minimize side effects like muscle loss, hair thinning, and GI symptoms. Hair thinning and loss can be seen, though not common. Many of our GLP patients are men and women of a certain age, and they are prone to issues with hair thinning anyway. But there is little downside to being proactive about hair thinning. Who do you know who thinks their hair is “too thick”?
What do we advocate?
- Slow weight loss. We have honed our weight loss program over years now to minimize side effects, which includes hair loss.
- Take supplements. Especially if you are not eating your normal diet, you need to make sure you have the right nutrients.
- We test our weight loss patients for thyroid levels when they start our program. Thyroid issues are also a common reason for hair loss, and we find a surprising number of clients who have thyroid issues they did not know about.
- Consider minoxidil or finasteride, particularly if androgenetic alopecia runs in your family
- Do regenerative treatments, like PRP/PRF scalp injections or microneedling with Age Zero Exosomes and minoxidil. These treatments really work and do not need to be done daily.
- Be careful with stressors on your hair. Hair extensions, chemical treatments, tight ponytails and braids cause lead to hair loss.
MEDICAL REFERENCES:
“GLP-1 agonists and hair loss: a call for further investigation” was published in the International Journal of Dermatology
“Exploring the Impact of GLP-1 Agonist Medications on Hair Loss”