Semaglutida medications such as Ozempic and Wogovy have exploited in popularity in recent years due to their effectiveness in diabetes control and weight loss.
Research has revealed additional benefits beyond these primary uses, but some negative side effects have also emerged.
While gastrointestinal problems are the most common side effects, a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia linked the GLP-1 agonists (peptide-1 similar to glucagon), the drug class that includes semaglutids, with a higher risk of hair loss.
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The researchers analyzed data of 16 million patients from a health claims database, reducing it to 1,926 semaglutidos and 1,348 bupropion-Naltrexone users, another type of weight loss medication.
A recent study by the University of British Columbia linked the GLP-1 agonists (peptide-peptide-1 glucagon type), the drug class that includes semaglutidos, with a higher risk of hair loss. (Istock)
After adjusting for other factors, they discovered that semaglutidas users had 50% more likely to experience hair loss compared to the other group.
Women were more likely to have this result, with twice as risk of men.
‘It’s not surprising’
The researchers were not surprised by the results, according to the author of the co-study, Dr. Mahyar Etminan, Epidemiologist and CEO of Epilytics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“There was [previous] Anecdotal reports of hair loss and also hair loss reports on clinical drug trials, “Digital Fox News told Fox.
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Dr. Patrick Davis, a plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills and hair restoration expert, agreed that the findings were not surprising.
“We have heard this anecdotally when patients consult us for the surgical restoration of their face after rapid weight loss,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found that semaglutidas users had 50% more likely to experience hair loss compared to the other group. (Istock)
“Hair growth (and loss) depend a lot on factors such as diet, essential vitamins, body stress and genetics.”
The first three factors come into play during weight loss, he said: “And the loss driven by semaglutidas is probably not an exception.”
Previous studies have shown that changes that induce stress or that affect one nutritional intake could represent a greater risk of hair loss, the doctor added.
“Hair growth (and loss) depend a lot on factors such as diet, essential vitamins, body stress and genetics.”
“This study refers to those who lost more than 20% of their body weight had higher hair loss rates than those who did not,” Davis said.
“This study theorizes that this may be due to suspicion of physiological stress, which can be a symptom of such a rapid weight loss.”
Long -term hair loss seems more unlikely, said the doctor, since the “inciting event” (weight and stress loss) is often normalized as people reach their objective weight.
Potential limitations
The study had some limitations, the outstanding researcher Etminan.
Those included the fact that he could not verify hair loss through medical records, but only identified medical codes for hair loss.
The women were more likely to experience the loss of hair -related hair, with the double risk of men. (Istock)
Davis, the plastic surgeon, also pointed out that this research refers to another study in which weeping users had a high risk of hair loss (3.3%) in relation to the placebo group (1.4%).
“While this clearly shows a higher risk, 3.3% remains a very low incidence rate,” he said.
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This early study, which was published on the Preprint Medrxiv server, has not yet been reviewed by pairs.
“Future studies are required to determine the association between semaglutida and hair loss,” the researchers wrote.
Doctors advice
Those who experience hair loss while taking semaglutidic medicines should consult with a dermatologist to determine if an adverse effect of these medications is due, Etminan advised.
“This is a relatively new adverse event and much is not known about it,” he said. “The questions about who is more at risk and if hair loss will be reversed by stopping the medication can be addressed in future studies.”
When Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk, Ozempic and Wegovy manufacturer, confirmed that hair loss is an identified psemaglutid risk, and is listed as a side effect on product information. (Getty images)
Davis agreed, encouraging patients to have an open conversation with their doctor about how they can take better care.
“I think a patient should take into account possible side effects before taking any medication,” he said.
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“While the incidence rate of hair loss is still decidedly low, it is a potential compensation that a patient should consider.”
Davis also recommends that his patients adopt an “abundant diet” consisting of fiber, proteins and nutritious foods to guarantee adequate feeding while taking a semaglutidic medicine.
Those who experience hair loss while taking semaglutidic medications should consult with a dermatologist to determine if an adverse effect of these medications is due, an expert advised. (Istock)
“Not only this can help with hair loss, but more importantly, a strong diet can stop the unwanted loss of muscle mass that often occurs,” he said. “An adequate diet, a conservative schedule for weight loss and the plan for exercise are essential when taking this medication.”
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When Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk, Ozempic and Wegovy manufacturer, confirmed that hair loss is an identified psemaglutid risk, and is listed as a side effect on product information.
“In Wagovy clinical trials, hair loss was reported in 2.5% of adult patients treated with Wogovy versus 1.0% of adult patients treated with placebo,” said the company’s spokesman.
“While the incidence rate of hair loss is still decidedly low, it is a potential compensation that a patient should consider.”
“Hair loss was more frequently reported in patients with greater weight loss (≥20%), suggesting that hair loss events were potentially related to the magnitude of weight loss.”
“Patient safety is very important for Novo Nordisk,” the statement continued. “We are continuously monitoring the safety profile of our products and we collaborate closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety, including proper information about hair loss.”
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The study was funded by internal research funds of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the University of Columbia Britanic, according to the magazine article.
