A new study has surfaced alarming fears over potential adverse effects linked to semaglutide. This compound is the active ingredient in the newly popularized weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC), the study suggests that hair loss could be a notable adverse effect for individuals taking these drugs.
That research, released on the preprint server MedRxiv, compared the health data of 1,926 participants. These people were taking semaglutide to support their weight loss journey. The results indicate an increased incidence of hair loss among those on semaglutide. In comparison, people taking bupropion-naltrexone, or Contrave, experienced significantly less hair loss. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate reported hair loss in relation to semaglutide.
Study Details and Findings
The research team analyzed data from two groups: 1,926 individuals taking semaglutide and 1,348 participants on bupropion-naltrexone. Findings showed a pronounced disparity in the diagnoses of hair loss. The rate among semaglutide users was 26.5 out of 1,000, compared with just 11.8 of 1,000 users of bupropion-naltrexone being diagnosed.
As the study’s first author, Dr. Mohit Sodhi, explains, as an emergency medicine resident physician at UBC, he stressed how crucial their findings are. This is the first study to directly compare hair loss rates between these two medications,” he noted. Both of these newer agents have weight management as a primary target.
“Bupropion-naltrexone was used as an active comparator because it is chemically distinct to semaglutide and to control for confounding by indication,” – Mohit Sodhi, MD
The study measured rates of hair loss, but went a step further in confirming its findings. It compared the results to earlier clinical trials on Wegovy, where comparable risk ratios were observed. Dr. Sodhi highlighted that individuals with more significant health issues may perceive the risk of hair loss differently than those using these medications for less critical reasons.
“The risk-benefit calculus for someone who may be morbidly obese or has very uncontrolled diabetes versus someone who may be using these medications for recreational weight loss is very different,” – Mohit Sodhi, MD
Expert Opinions on Hair Loss and GLP-1 Drugs
The implications of hair loss as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have garnered attention from medical professionals. Saami Khalifian, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. He noted that one of the main issues patients on these medicines face is significant hair loss. He has noted that there sometimes is a sudden onset of hair loss in this specific patient population.
To help prevent this trend, Dr. Khalifian provided dietary suggestions. He recommended focusing on protein first at meals to increase feelings of fullness before eating carbs.
“Eat the protein first because by the time you get to the carbs, you might be full,” – Saami Khalifian, MD
Furthermore, Dr. Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician, confirmed that her patients frequently report experiencing hair loss while on GLP-1 drugs. She suggested having lab work done to flush out any potential issues. These could be things such as anemia or thyroid disorders—even if their primary symptom is not hair loss.
“Everything you put in your body is going to count even more, so you’ve got to make sure it’s nutritious food,” – Brynna Connor, MD
Implications for Patients Considering Semaglutide
As awareness grows regarding the potential side effects of semaglutide, patients considering this medication for weight loss should weigh their options carefully. The findings from this study suggest that individuals prone to hair loss may want to consult with healthcare providers before starting treatment.
Dr. Khalifian noted that others can experience hair loss from external drivers like pregnancy or stress. Shainsky further cautioned those beginning a GLP-1 treatment plan to be aware of their potential risk for developing these adverse effects.
“If you are susceptible to hair loss but start a GLP-1 anyway, she suggests working with a dietitian to develop a nutrition plan,” – Brynna Connor, MD
Moreover, it is essential that patients are made aware from the outset that initiating semaglutide must weigh likely benefits against possible risks.
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