GLP-1 medication comparable to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are recognized for his or her potential to assist individuals with weight problems and sort 2 diabetes lose vital weight. However alongside the numbers dropping on the dimensions, these medication might additionally result in a much less welcome change: elevated hair shedding.Whereas hair loss isn’t formally listed as a facet impact of those medicines, a dermatologist admitted she is seeing it usually sufficient to take discover. In keeping with a report by Healthline, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Drugs, mentioned, “It’s undoubtedly a typical factor that we’re seeing within the workplace.”
The report, nonetheless, provides, “There’s little revealed literature on GLP-1-related hair loss, and it stays unclear how prevalent the situation is or what’s inflicting it. Most specialists imagine any ensuing hair loss isn’t attributable to the medication themselves, however reasonably by the burden loss they induce.” This course of can place stress on the physique, probably resulting in a situation referred to as telogen effluvium, which is a type of momentary hair loss that may be set off by bodily, emotional, or way of life modifications.
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To know extra about this, we spoke to a dermatologist.
Organic hyperlink between fast weight reduction and telogen effluvium, and why would possibly or not it’s extra noticeable in individuals taking GLP-1 medication
Dr Archana Lakshman, dermatologist at GVG Invivo Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Telogen effluvium happens when a big variety of hair follicles enter the resting part of the expansion cycle on the similar time, resulting in elevated shedding. Speedy weight reduction can set off this shift as a result of the physique prioritises important features over non-essential ones like hair progress.”
With GLP-1 medicines comparable to Ozempic and Wegovy, she says, the appetite-suppressing impact “can result in quicker and extra pronounced weight reduction.” If the dietary consumption throughout this era isn’t rigorously managed, it could exacerbate nutrient deficiencies and hormonal modifications, making hair shedding extra noticeable. The shedding is normally momentary.
Speedy weight reduction can set off a shift as a result of the physique prioritises important features over non-essential ones like hair progress (Supply: Freepik)
Dietary or way of life changes that may assist minimise hair loss whereas persevering with remedy with GLP-1 medicines
Dr Lakshman says, “The hot button is to make sure that the physique nonetheless receives a balanced consumption of vitamins important for hair well being. Enough protein consumption is significant since hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein that depends on amino acids from the weight loss program. Iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and B nutritional vitamins also needs to be prioritised, both by means of meals or dietary supplements, as really useful by a healthcare skilled.”Story continues beneath this advert
She provides that sufferers ought to deal with nutrient-dense meals comparable to eggs, lean meats, legumes, leafy greens, and nuts. Staying hydrated helps wholesome circulation to the scalp. Managing stress by means of mindfulness or mild train can even assist as a result of stress is one other recognized set off for telogen effluvium.
How can sufferers inform whether or not their hair loss is momentary shedding or an indication of a unique underlying situation that requires separate remedy?
Dr Lakshman stresses, “Short-term shedding from telogen effluvium usually begins a number of months after the set off occasion, comparable to vital weight reduction, and sometimes resolves inside six to 9 months because the physique readjusts. In these circumstances, new child hairs could also be seen alongside the hairline or parting after the shedding part slows down.”
If hair loss is accompanied by patchy bald spots, scalp irritation, extreme breakage, or persists for greater than a yr with out enchancment, it could sign one other situation comparable to alopecia areata, thyroid imbalances, or persistent dietary deficiencies. In such circumstances, it is very important seek the advice of a dermatologist or trichologist to know the basis trigger.
Wish to know extra concerning the launch of anti-obesity drug Wegovy in India, affected person experiences with medication like Mounjaro, and what medical doctors say about their effectiveness? Learn our unique story right here.Story continues beneath this advert
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
