Have you noticed more hair in your brush or shower drain since starting a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Zepbound? If so, you’re not alone.
Many people taking GLP-1s worry that their weight loss treatment might be causing hair loss. While there does appear to be a connection, the question remains: Are GLP-1 medications directly to blame?
Hair Loss: Alopecia vs. Telogen Effluvium
If you’re searching for information on hair loss and GLP-1 medications online, there are two terms that may have come up: Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium. Alopecia is a general medical term for hair loss and Telogen effluvium refers to a specific type of temporary of hair loss.
Alopecia can be related to an autoimmune disease or response, genetics, or hormonal imbalances, and it tends last throughout one’s life after onset.
Telogen effluvium can be caused by the rapid weight loss that is associated with GLP-1 medications. Telogen effluvium can resolve, and hair growth could resume in a few months; it is not a permanent condition.
How GLP-1 Medications Lead to Telogen Effluvium
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which plays a key role in regulating appetite and blood glucose levels. These medications slow gastric emptying, stimulate insulin production, and influence hunger signals between the gut and brain. Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
Because of their appetite-suppressing effects and potential for gastrointestinal discomfort, GLP-1 medications can lead to rapid weight loss — an event that can stress the body. They may also make it more difficult for patients to consume a nutrient-dense diet, potentially falling short of the daily recommended intake of essential macro- and micronutrients. Since hair health and follicle function are closely linked to nutritional status, this can set the stage for certain types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium. Common triggers for telogen effluvium include:
· Rapid weight loss can place unexpected stress on the body, leading more hair follicles to enter the “resting” (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. This natural shift can result in increased hair shedding, which can feel alarming — even though it’s often temporary.
· Nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to hair loss, especially when appetite is reduced or when side effects make it harder to eat well. GLP-1 medications can make it challenging to get enough essential nutrients — like protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins C and D — that support healthy hair growth.
· Emotional stress is a common and valid response during significant weight loss. Adjusting to changes in your appearance, navigating others’ reactions, or adapting to a new lifestyle can be overwhelming at times — and that emotional strain can also affect your hair health.
· Physical stress from rapid changes in the body — such as shifts in blood sugar, metabolism, or hormone levels — can take a toll. These internal changes, though part of the weight loss journey, can also impact the hair growth cycle.
Nutrition and Hair Loss
It’s important to note that manufacturers of GLP-1s are aware of hair loss as a reported side effect. For example, in clinical trials for Wegovy, approximately 3% of participants reported hair loss. In Zepbound’s trials, about 7.1% of female participants experienced hair loss. The good news is that hair loss associated with GLP-1 medications is often temporary and may resolve over time. Once your body adapts, hair may regrow, though it could take a few months. The good news is that there are nutritional strategies that may help reduce hair loss during periods of rapid weight loss.
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Nourishing your body with the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients can support the health of your hair, scalp, and the natural hair growth cycle. Taking small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference.
· Lean protein. Protein is critical for hair growth. Lean proteins like skinless white meat poultry, lean beef, pork, shrimp, egg white could help mitigate hair loss.
· Fiber and whole grains. Fiber and whole grains are not directly implicated in hair health, but many foods that are high in fiber and foods that are considered whole grains have vitamins that are important for healthy hair and healthy hair follicles. Fiber also regulates blood sugar levels and aids with blood glucose control; it also improves digestion, which is important for absorbing nutrients. Fiber-rich foods include vegetables like broccoli, broccoli rabe, cauliflower, carrots, eggplant, peas, bell peppers, asparagus, spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts, and winter squashes like butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash.
· Whole grains. Whole grains include the B vitamins as well as iron and zinc, which are important for hair health and healthy hair follicles. Examples of whole grains are brown rice, quinoa, farro, and barley.
· Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients that support hair follicle health by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. These effects may help maintain a healthy scalp and deliver essential nutrients to hair follicles, promoting overall hair health. Good dietary sources of omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Plant-based options include walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, as well as oils such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil.
In addition to monitoring macro- micronutrient intake, adding a dietary supplement could help shore up nutritional needs. Biocare is one such nutritional supplement.
How can Biocare Help?
Nutrient deficiencies — especially in protein and essential vitamins — can contribute to hair loss, particularly for individuals using GLP-1 medications. These medications often lead to reduced appetite and lower overall food intake, increasing the risk of nutritional gaps.
Biocare is a dietary beverage specifically formulated to support the nutritional needs of people taking GLP-1 medications. While Biocare is not a treatment for hair loss, it does provide high-quality protein along with key macro- and micronutrients that support overall health, including the health of hair and scalp.
Nutrients such as biotin, protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C are essential for healthy hair growth, and Biocare helps ensure consistent daily intake of these critical components. By supporting balanced nutrition during weight loss, Biocare plays a role in promoting overall well-being—including the nutritional foundation needed for healthy hair.*
If you are experiencing hair loss while taking a GLP-1 medication, be sure to consult your health care professional before terminating your GLP-1 medication. Termination may or may not be warranted, so it is important discuss this with your health care provider to ensure a decision that is best for you is made.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.
