Study Links Certain Men on GLP-1 Medications to Increased Hair Loss Risk
A study of over 200,000 people finds that men with a genetic predisposition who use GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound face a 7% higher chance of androgenetic hair loss.
A new systematic review published in Science Progress examined genetic data to explore side effects of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Zepbound. The analysis revealed that men with elevated expression of a certain gene were about seven percent more likely to report hair loss while on these drugs. Dr. Lynn Petukhova of NYU Langone Health explained that the study points to a potential biological mechanism but cannot determine outcomes for individual patients.
The review aligns with anecdotal reports, such as comedian Claudia Oshry’s experience of rapid shedding that subsided after several months. Clinicians often recommend treatments like minoxidil or finasteride and advise checking nutritional status to mitigate hair loss. Researchers emphasize the need for additional investigations to clarify who may be at risk.
