top of page
Search

Hair Loss Following Weight Loss Injections: Understanding the Link and Supporting Regrowth

Hair Loss Following Weight Loss Injections: Understanding the Link and Supporting Regrowth

Hair loss after weight loss injections


As the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists—particularly semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Wegovy)—increases across the Western world, new side effects are emerging beyond their well-known gastrointestinal symptoms. A growing body of anecdotal and clinical reports is now drawing attention to a noteworthy and distressing concern: hair loss.


Recent coverage in New Scientist highlighted that, while these medications are highly effective for weight management by mimicking the appetite-suppressing hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), their impact on the hair growth cycle cannot be overlooked (New Scientist, 2025).


Hair loss after weight loss injections.


Physiological Mechanisms Linking Weight Loss to Hair Shedding

Hair loss following rapid weight loss is not a novel phenomenon. The body interprets sudden or significant weight reduction—especially within the context of caloric restriction or metabolic shifts—as a form of physiological stress. This often results in telogen effluvium (TE), a condition wherein a large number of hairs prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle, leading to excessive shedding approximately 2–3 months after the trigger event (Malkud, 2015).

GLP-1 receptor agonists compound this risk by suppressing appetite and, in some cases, altering nutrient absorption and metabolic pathways, further intensifying the physiological stressors on the hair follicle environment (Lundgren et al., 2021).


Genetic Predisposition: A Barrier to Natural Regrowth

While telogen effluvium is often reversible, those with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may experience more persistent hair thinning. For such individuals, the sudden hair loss following weight reduction may unmask an underlying progressive condition, which does not self-resolve even when dietary balance is restored (Vujovic and Del Marmol, 2014).


This presents a unique clinical challenge: many individuals assume their hair will "bounce back" after weight stabilisation, but instead find themselves facing ongoing scalp visibility, reduced density, and psychological distress.


Strategies to Minimise Hair Loss During Weight Loss

To protect hair health during caloric restriction or while using weight loss pharmacotherapy, consider the following evidence-based strategies:

  • Gradual weight loss: Aim for no more than 0.5–1 kg per week to minimise metabolic shock.

  • Prioritise protein intake: Adequate protein is essential for keratin synthesis, the primary component of hair (Glynn et al., 2010).

  • Micronutrient surveillance: Monitor and correct deficiencies in ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, B12, and thyroid function (Rushton et al., 2002).

  • Avoid overly restrictive diets: Balanced macronutrient intake supports hormonal and follicular stability.

  • Consider supplementation: Use advanced nutritional formulations, such as TrichoRx24, which include saw palmetto, green tea extract, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and MSM, known to support hair growth and reduce inflammation.

  • Begin a preventative regimen: Patients on GLP-1 agonists should consider beginning a personalised topical or oral treatment protocol under clinical supervision.



Our Support: Helping You Grow Back with Confidence

At GrowBack, we specialise in identifying and treating hair loss at its root cause, particularly in patients experiencing post-weight loss hair thinning. Our expertise lies in early intervention and tailored treatment for individuals using modern weight loss medications or pursuing low-calorie diets.

We offer:

  • Clinical consultations grounded in trichology and pharmacology

  • Personalised treatment plans informed by DNA analysis and scalp assessment

  • Access to prescription-only topical treatments, mesotherapy, and advanced formulations

  • Follow-up support with lifestyle and nutritional guidance


Take Action Early

If you’ve noticed increased hair shedding after starting Ozempic, Wegovy, or embarking on a diet plan, do not wait until the hair density worsens. Early intervention leads to better regrowth outcomes, particularly for individuals with a hereditary component to their hair loss.



References

Glynn, L. E., Stitt, A. W., & Gardiner, T. A. (2010) Nutrition and Hair Health, London: Academic Press.

Lundgren, J. R., Janus, C., Jensen, S. B. K., et al. (2021) 'Healthy weight loss maintenance with GLP-1 receptor agonists: Insights into metabolic benefits and concerns', The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(7), pp. 448–458.

Malkud, S. (2015) ‘Telogen Effluvium: A Review’, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(9), pp. WE01–WE03.

New Scientist (2025) ‘Weighing the risk: More people report hair loss on weight loss jabs like Ozempic’, New Scientist, 7 April. Available at: [Link] (Accessed: 7 April 2025).

Rushton, D. H., Norris, M. J., Dover, R., & Busuttil, N. (2002) ‘Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation’, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 24(1), pp. 17–23.

Vujovic, A. and Del Marmol, V. (2014) ‘The female pattern hair loss: Review of etiopathogenesis and diagnosis’, BioMed Research International, 2014, Article ID 767628

Comments

bottom of page