Alopecia as an Emerging Adverse Effect Associated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss: A Scoping Review

This scoping review explores the potential link between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) used for weight loss and alopecia, analyzing nine studies with patient cohorts ranging from 19 to 1,896 individuals. Alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, was reported as an adverse event, particularly in female patients. Although a definitive causal relationship is not established, the review highlights a safety signal that requires further investigation. It suggests that rapid weight loss from GLP-1RAs may trigger telogen effluvium and possibly androgenetic alopecia in predisposed individuals. The review calls for systematic clinical research with standardized dermatologic evaluations to better understand and manage this potential side effect, which has implications for patient quality of life and treatment adherence.