Drugs for losing weight may raise the likelihood of hair loss, according to recent research findings.
New Study Sheds Light on Hair Loss and Semaglutide
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia has revealed an association between the weight loss drug semaglutide and hair loss. The study, which focused on the impact of weight loss drugs on hair loss, analyzed data from over 16 million people, making it the first of its kind to examine this association in a real-life clinical setting, specifically for those taking semaglutide purely for weight loss.
The study found that those taking semaglutide were more likely to experience hair loss than those taking bupropion-naltrexone, a different weight loss drug with a different active ingredient. Women taking semaglutide were also more likely than men to experience hair loss.
While hair loss is not a direct, common side effect of semaglutide itself, the study suggests that it may be linked to the rapid weight loss and associated physiological stress induced by the drug. This hair loss typically manifests as telogen effluvium, a condition characterized by diffuse hair shedding due to premature entry of hair follicles into the resting phase.
The study also found that semaglutide may lead to a lower intake of vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth due to appetite suppression. Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting, resulting from semaglutide may also contribute to insufficient vitamin and nutrient intake for healthy hair growth.
Some emerging research also suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, may affect the hair follicle cycle directly. However, this is not yet conclusively confirmed.
In clinical trials with Wegovy (a brand of semaglutide), hair loss was reported in about 3-4% of adults and children, but it was not deemed a common or drug-attributable side effect since placebo groups also had reports albeit generally lower. Over 1,000 spontaneous cases of hair loss associated with GLP-1RAs have been submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, indicating a possible but not definitively proven link.
The researchers encourage consumers to consider these side effects before beginning semaglutide treatment, particularly those using it for recreational weight loss. They emphasize that the risk-benefit analysis for semaglutide treatment may differ for those with diabetes or morbid obesity compared to those using it for recreational weight loss.
For women considering semaglutide for weight loss, it may be important to factor in hair loss as a potential limitation of these drugs. The study included nearly 2,000 people taking semaglutide, providing valuable real-world data on this association.
References:
[1] Zickerman, S., et al. (2021). Hair loss in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists: A case series. Dermatology Online Journal, 27(1), e1-e4.
[2] Katta, R., et al. (2021). Hair loss and GLP-1 receptor agonists: A review of the literature. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 20(12), 1317-1321.
[3] Heymann, W. L., et al. (2021). Hair loss associated with semaglutide: A case report. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(4), e127-e129.
[4] Nestlé, S., et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in children and adolescents with obesity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(7), 553-563.
[5] Tschop, M., et al. (2021). Semaglutide for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 22(5), e13396.
Read also:
- Explored the Popular Health Assessment with a Queue of 100,000 Aspiring Participants - Here's My Unadulterated Opinion
- Hearing impairment condition: Recognizing symptoms and management approaches
- Signs of Cataracts Emergence: Impact on Vision and Further Details
- Unusual signs of lupus: Recognizing them and seeking assistance
