Misuse of Ozempic for Rapid Weight Loss Can Cause Significant and Perhaps Permanent Hair Loss The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) has become aware of a concerning trend among individuals misusing Ozempic (semaglutide) and other related glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for rapid weight loss purposes. Although these drugs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, their misuse for weight loss purposes can have serious consequences, including significant hair loss. In Wegovy (semaglutide) studies, hair loss (alopecia) was reported in 3% of adults using Wegovy and 1% using a placebo (inactive) treatment. In children 12 years and older, hair loss was reported in 4% vs. 0% using a placebo. These were not considered common side effects by the manufacturer, occuring in < 5% of people. Ozempic works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in insulin levels, may disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.

Not all that glimmers is gold... Hair loss is often an unwanted side effect of losing body weight by itself due to the rapid nature of weight loss associated with weight loss surgery, including gastric bands and gastric bypasses. Like excessive exercise, rapid weight loss can shock your body, causing sudden temporary hair loss. This type of hair loss is generally known as telogen effluvium, and it is a common cause of hair loss. It typically occurs about 3–4 months after rapid weight loss and lasts for up to 6 months. The good news is, the interruption of Ozempic treatment usually stops the hair loss too - but the hair will remain thin & brittle anyway. See also:

• Understanding Hair Loss Associated with Ozempic: Causes and Treatment
• Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
• Unmasking Ozempic Face: The Mysterious Side Effect: Facial Wasting After Rapid Weight Loss
• Wegovy weight-loss pill's success is destabilizing Denmark's economy
• Once-Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide Improves Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
• Eating less fat may save your hair because Obesity accelerates hair thinning by stem cell-centric converging mechanism