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Does Ozempic® Cause Hair Loss? Exploring Side Effects
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Weight loss
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Managing Hair Loss While Losing Weight on Ozempic®
If you experience hair loss while on Ozempic®, it may be a sign that you’re losing weight too quickly and putting unnecessary stress on your body. While weight loss is the goal, it’s important to prioritize slow and sustainable weight loss that’s gentle on your body. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to manage hair thinning. By making adjustments and correcting your diet, your hair loss will improve and eventually go back to normal.
The first step is to consider your diet while taking Ozempic®. Make sure you're consuming enough calories each day to keep your energy levels up and support overall well-being. While a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, it’s important not to go too low. At Mochi Health, you’ll have access to a registered dietitian who can help determine the ideal calorie intake to meet your goals.
The next step is to ensure you’re getting essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and zinc, which can support proper hair health. (7) Make sure that your diet includes a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, plenty of lean proteins, and whole grains to support hair growth. You can also consider adding supplements to support hair growth if recommended by your healthcare provider.
In the meantime, consider using gentle hair care products and avoid excessive styling or heat treatments that can further damage hair. Gentle handling of hair, avoiding tight hairstyles, and protecting hair from harsh environmental factors can also reduce breakage and shedding while you wait for your hair to return to its normal state.
If you experience hair loss while on Ozempic®, it’s important to talk with your doctor openly about your concerns. Although hair loss can sometimes result from the body’s stress response to weight loss, it may also signal other issues such as thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, an iron deficiency, or side effects from other medications. Speak with your doctor to identify and address any underlying concerns as needed.
Key Takeaways
While hair loss can be a side effect of rapid weight loss, it may be reversible if the right steps are taken to correct it. Though hair loss is not an explicit side effect of Ozempic®, some users may experience it, and this can be distressing. By understanding the potential causes and taking steps to manage it, you can mitigate its impact. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice to ensure your weight loss efforts are safe and effective.
Find out if you are eligible for Ozempic® and other weight-loss medications by visiting Mochi Health.
References:
Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic (semaglutide) injection prescribing information, revised 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf
Wilding JP, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.: Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021, 384:989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Bacon, S. L., Sherwood, A., Hinderliter, A., & Blumenthal, J. A. (2004). Effects of exercise, diet and weight loss on high blood pressure. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 34(5), 307–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15107009/
Tran, M. M., Mirza, F. N., Lee, A. C., Goldbach, H. S., Libby, T. J., & Wisco, O. J. (2024). Dermatologic findings associated with semaglutide use: A scoping review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 91(1), 166–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.03.021
Nakhla, M., Nair, A., Balani, P., Ujjawal, A., Arun Kumar, P., Dasari, M., Yukselen, Z., Bansal, K., Ganatra, S., & Dani, S. S. (2024). Risk of Suicide, Hair Loss, and Aspiration with GLP1-Receptor Agonists and Other Diabetic Agents: A Real-World Pharmacovigilance Study. Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 10.1007/s10557-024-07613-w. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10557-024-07613-w
Hughes EC, Syed HA, Saleh D. Telogen Effluvium. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/
Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
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