---
title: "GLP-1 medications and temporary hair loss risk in type 2 diabetes"
id: "medical-news-today-0-glp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-here-s-why"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-glp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-here-s-why"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Endocrinology"
source_name: "Medical News Today"
source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-heres-why/"
published_at: "2026-07-30T06:00:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# GLP-1 medications and temporary hair loss risk in type 2 diabetes
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-glp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-here-s-why
- **Specialty:** [Endocrinology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/endocrinology.md)
- **Primary Source:** Medical News Today
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-heres-why/)
- **Published At:** 2026-07-30T06:00:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- A large observational study of adults with **type 2 diabetes** found an association between **GLP-1** medication use and an increased rate of clinically recorded **non-scarring alopecia**, a typically reversible form of hair loss. - The analysis used electronic health record data from Penn Medicine between January 2019 and September 2024 and compared GLP-1 users to users of **SGLT-2 inhibitors** and **DPP-4 inhibitors**. - In the GLP-1 versus SGLT-2 cohort (12,004 GLP-1 users; 15,221 SGLT-2 users), GLP-1 use was associated with a 37% higher chance of hair loss compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors. - In the GLP-1 versus DPP-4 cohort (11,964 GLP-1 users; 11,238 DPP-4 users), GLP-1 users had a 68% higher risk of non-scarring alopecia than DPP-4 inhibitor users. - The study could not establish causation; investigators noted possible links to **rapid weight loss**, nutritional deficiencies (biotin, iron, zinc), changes in thyroid function, or altered absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying. - Reported absolute rates were low: approximately six to seven cases of hair loss per 1,000 people taking GLP-1s per year, according to figures cited in the paper. - Experts quoted in the article recommended monitoring nutritional status, prioritizing adequate protein intake, and assessing iron, thyroid, and vitamin B12 if hair shedding develops. - Clinicians are advised not to discontinue GLP-1 therapy solely for hair loss concerns without medical review; the metabolic benefits for most patients typically outweigh the risk of temporary, non-scarring hair loss. - Groups at relatively higher risk include people with pre-existing nutritional deficiencies, rapid substantial weight loss, women with low iron stores, individuals after bariatric surgery, and those with underlying androgenetic hair loss. - Management tips include slowing weight loss pace, dietary optimization, micronutrient supplementation when indicated, routine follow-up, limiting hair-damaging practices, and early specialist referral if shedding persists beyond a few months.
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staircase, wrapped in a light robe](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/getty_2274060413_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg)[Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fglp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-heres-why&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F07%2Fgetty_2274060413_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg&description=Can%20GLP-1%20drugs%20like%20Ozempic%20increase%20hair%20loss%20risk%3F "Share on Pinterest")GLP-1 may lead to temporary hair loss but the risk is low, research suggests. Image credit: Milky Way/ Getty Images * **The use of GLP-1s, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may increase the risk of hair loss, a new study has found.** * **Non-scarring alopecia, a typically nonpermanent type of hair loss, was more common among GLP-1 users than among those who took SGLT-2 inhibitors or DPP-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.** * **While the absolute risk of hair loss may be low, raising awareness can help people make informed decisions about their treatment plan.** A new large-scale study found that people with [type 2 diabetes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317462) who are taking [GLP-1 medications](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diabetes-shot-for-weight-loss) may have a higher risk of hair loss. The research, published in [The BMJTrusted Source](https://www.bmj.com/content/394/bmj-2026-100077), compared the risk of alopecia, a form of hair loss, among adults who took either GLP-1 drugs, [SGLT-2 inhibitors](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sglt2-inhibitors-diabetes), or DPP-4 inhibitors for the [treatment of diabetes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311300). Specifically, there was an increased risk of non-scarring alopecia, a typically temporary or reversible type of hair loss, which can include [telogen effluvium](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321590) and [androgenetic alopecia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325307). While the researchers suggest that the absolute risk of hair loss with GLP-1 medications is low, understanding the potential for alopecia may help inform treatment decisions among patients. ## GLP-1s linked to up to 68% higher hair loss risk GLP-1 use in adults with type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher risk of clinically recorded non-scarring alopecia, a type of hair loss that does not permanently damage the hair follicles. The researchers examined electronic health record data from the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine) between January 2019 and September 2024. They looked at electronic health record data from 12,004 GLP-1 users and 15,221 SGLT-2 inhibitor users in the GLP-1 versus SGLT2i cohort. In the GLP-1 versuss DPP4i cohort, they focused on data from 11,964 GLP-1 users and 11,238 DPP-4 inhibitor users. Compared with adults taking SGLT-2 inhibitors, those taking GLP-1 medication to treat diabetes had a 37% higher chance of experiencing hair loss. **GLP-1 users also had a 68% risk of hair loss compared with people treating diabetes with DPP-4 inhibitors.** The findings suggest that GLP-1s were associated with a higher risk of hair loss than two alternative diabetes treatments, but they do not establish the hair loss risk in people taking GLP-1s for non-diabetes purposes. “The findings regarding the increased risk of alopecia compared to SGLT-2 inhibitors (37%) and DPP-4 inhibitors (68%) are notable, though not entirely surprising given that significant weight loss by any means can result in hair loss,” [Mir Ali](https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/mir-b-ali), MD, a bariatric surgeon, bariatric medicine specialist and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told _Medical News Today_. “The medication acts as a catalyst for weight loss, but the resulting physiological stress and hormonal changes are often the direct trigger for telogen effluvium,” Ali, who was not involved in the study, added. ## Are rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies the cause? As the latest research is an observational study, it cannot confirm whether any specific factor directly caused another. This means that it cannot determine that weight loss and nutritional deficiencies definitely led to hair loss. **However, the researchers did note a possible link. Telogen effluvium is[already associated](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11621640/) with weight loss, and the rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 use could also lead to non-scarring alopecia.** In reducing calories, some people taking GLP-1 drugs may develop certain nutritional deficiencies, which can affect how hair grows. The study authors suggest that deficiencies in the following may contribute to hair loss: * [biotin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318724) * [iron](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228) * [zinc](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263176). “My recommendation is to ensure patients maintain adequate protein intake and supplement appropriately with key micronutrients, especially iron, zinc, and biotin, while on these medications,” said Ali. “Routine monitoring should include checking basic nutritional labs if hair loss becomes a concern.” Other factors that may contribute to hair loss in people taking GLP-1 medications include changes in thyroid function and altered absorption of oral drugs, such as thyroid hormone or sex hormone medications, due to delayed gastric emptying. ## Could awareness inform patient decision making? Around six or seven in every 1,000 people taking GLP-1 medications experienced hair loss each year, according to data cited in the study paper. While the absolute risk of hair loss with GLP-1 drugs is low, it is necessary for people to be aware of the possibility so that they can weigh the benefits of the treatment against the risks and make an informed decision about their treatment plan. Speaking to _MNT_ , [Manish Mittal](https://mittalhairclinic.com/dr-manish-mittal/), MD, hair transplant surgeon at Mittal Hair Clinic, who was not involved in this study, explained that “the vast majority of patients will never experience clinically significant hair loss, but the study reinforces that shedding can occur in a small proportion of people and is something clinicians should discuss before treatment.” Thus, individuals taking GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes should be aware of all options available to them, which could include SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, depending on individual circumstances. It is particularly important for people to be aware of the risk of hair loss in cases where they already have an increased risk of alopecia. Ali further emphasized that the benefits of taking GLP-1s as prescribed usually outweigh the risks: > “For the vast majority of patients seeking treatment for obesity or diabetes, the metabolic benefits of GLP-1s significantly outweigh the risk of temporary, non-scarring hair loss, which usually resolves once weight stabilizes. Groups who might be more at risk for hair loss are those with pre-existing nutritional deficiencies or those experiencing very rapid, significant weight loss.” “People who lose weight very rapidly, have pre-existing nutritional deficiencies, women with low iron stores, individuals recovering from bariatric surgery, or those with underlying androgenetic hair loss may notice shedding more readily because they already have reduced hair reserve,” Mittal added. ## How to manage hair loss when taking GLP-1s Working closely with a healthcare professional can help you manage hair loss or monitor for any changes when taking GLP-1 medications. [Opel Baker](https://www.mayfieldclinic.co.uk/our-team/dr-opel-baker), MBChB, DipOccMed, MRCGP, a general practitioner at the Mayfield Clinic in Brigthon, United Kingdom, who was likewise not involved in the study, spoke to _MNT_ about what a person can do if they have concerns about hair loss while taking a GLP-1. **“The most important advice is not to panic and not to discontinue treatment without medical advice. We encourage patients to lose weight at a sustainable pace rather than as quickly as possible, prioritize adequate protein intake, and attend regular follow-up appointments,” Baker said.** “If hair shedding develops, it’s sensible to assess dietary intake and, where clinically indicated, arrange blood tests to check for iron deficiency, thyroid disease, vitamin B12, or other contributing factors. Monitoring is straightforward and can form part of routine reviews,” he added. Some general tips for managing non-scarring alopecia [include](https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/telogen-effluvium): * limiting the use of heated hair tools, such as hairdryers, as well as hair bleaching * following a balanced diet favoring foods rich in rich in iron and protein * stop smoking. “Patients shouldn’t stop treatment because they’re worried about hair loss alone. Instead, they should focus on prevention,” explained Mittal. He advised that: > “Maintaining adequate protein intake, avoiding excessive calorie restriction, and ensuring sufficient iron, zinc, and other micronutrients can make a significant difference. If someone notices increased shedding, particularly after 3 to 6 months, they should seek assessment early rather than assuming it’s permanent. A specialist can identify whether this is temporary telogen effluvium or an unrelated hair condition requiring different treatment.” * [Diabetes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/diabetes) * [Type 2](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/diabetes/type-2) * [Drugs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/drugs) Share this article [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fglp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-heres-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop "Share on Facebook") [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?via=mnt&text=Can%20GLP-1%20drugs%20like%20Ozempic%20increase%20hair%20loss%20risk%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fglp-1-drugs-linked-to-temporary-hair-loss-heres-why%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dx%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop "Share on X") Written by Amy McLean on July 30, 2026 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. ## Was this article helpful? 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