The way the world looks at body weight has fluctuated significantly over the years, particularly for women. From the hourglass figures of the 1950s and the ultra-thin supermodels of the 80s and 90s to the toned and lean bodies and “slim thick” Kim Kardashian body types of recent years, there has always been pressure for women to look a certain way. And in today’s social media-driven world, that pressure is greater than ever. So, it’s no surprise that there has been a surge in demand for weight-loss drugs that are delivering impressive and fast results. However, while they are effective, these medications are not without side effects. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea are commonplace. And one increasingly reported side effect is hair loss. Here’s the lowdown on Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and hair loss, and how to protect your hair.
Weight-Loss Drugs: The Science
Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a group of drugs known as GLP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. This class of medication was originally developed to manage type-2 diabetes. But during clinical trials it emerged that they significantly reduced weight in patients using them. Essentially, they work by causing more insulin to be released. This process regulates blood sugar levels, but crucially, it also suppresses the appetite. These drugs all come in injectable form, and in the UK, are available through the NHS or private healthcare. To be eligible for NHS treatment, patients need to see a weight loss specialist and meet specific criteria.
Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Hair Loss: What’s Happening?
Firstly, and foremostly, it’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence that using Mounjaro, Ozempic or Wegovy will directly cause hair loss. Yet, there is little doubt that it is a well-recognised side effect. So, why does this happen?
Weight Loss & Telogen Effluvium
A key factor contributing to hair loss in individuals using these drugs is down to the sheer speed at which they lose weight. It has long been understood that rapid weight loss can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. This leads to noticeable hair shedding a few weeks or months after the initial trigger. Although speedy weight loss means you may feel better physically and emotionally, internally your body is reacting is if it was undergoing significant stress.
Nutritional Deficiencies
With a suppressed appetite, less food is consumed. Naturally, this leads to a rapid drop in calorie consumption. That’s great for weight loss. However, your body gets less key hair vitamins and nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc and proteins such as keratin and collagen. These are all crucial for maintaining healthy hair. When the body is deprived of these nutrients, it prioritises directing remaining levels towards vital organs. Hair growth is a less essential function, so it ends up being effectively starved, leading to hair thinning or fall.
Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy are relatively new drugs, with Ozempic being the first off the production line in 2017. While further research may reveal some direct issues affecting hair loss, problems seem to stem from the treatments being so effective. Similarly, hair loss is a common side effect with bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric bypasses and gastric sleeves, where again rapid weight loss is triggered.
Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro Hair Loss: Protect Your Hair
If you’re using a weight-loss drug and you’re experiencing hair thinning or fall, don’t panic. There are effective ways you can support your hair and encourage regrowth, even while your body is adjusting to the major changes caused by these drugs.
Diet For Healthy Hair Growth
When your appetite is heavily reduced, you need to focus on nutrient-rich foods that will promote overall well-being while supporting hair health. Here are some key foods that will help:
Getting Protein
Hair is made up of keratin, a tough protein that gives hair it’s strength. To support its production, you need to eat plenty of protein. Eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy, beans, lentils and seeds all need to be part of your diet.
Hair Vitamins
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for keratin production, and for helping your body convert food into energy. Nuts, lean meats, leafy greens are good sources of this key hair vitamin.
Iron & Zinc
Iron helps blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, while zinc supports hair tissue growth and repair. You'll find iron in lean red meat, spinach and lentils. Zinc can be found in beef, pumpkin seeds and the mighty lentil!
Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy Hair Loss: How Hair Gain Can Help
Sensational Supplements
Tremendous Topicals
Whilst Hair Gain Capsules and Gummies will nourish your hair from within, our topicals will boost hair care from the outside. If you’re suffering from nutritional related hair loss, or your weight loss has triggered telogen effluvium, then the Hair Gain Hair Mask will stimulate and revitalise your tresses and scalp, helping reduce hair loss while making your hair shinier and stronger. Meanwhile, get fuller hair with Hair Gain Scalp Foam. Its weightless formula is instantly absorbed, creating the perfect environment to promote thicker hair. Used in conjunction with our Hair Mask, it can reduce hair breakage and fall by up to 60% from the first use*. And care for your hair and scalp in between washes with our game-changing Peptide Puff™ dry shampoo. 86% of users agreed “it gave me all day confidence in my hair**.”
Read More
A Trichologist’s Top Tips To Help Your Hair Grow
10 Ways To Help With Stress-Induced Hair Loss
*Independently tested May 2023, results achieved when tested as a regime with the Hair Gain Hair Mask
*Data from an independent consumer perception survey of 63 women using the Dry Shampoo. February 2024.
