Prevalence and Predictors of Hair Shedding Among GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Users: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

January 2026 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Sali Alharbi, Azzam Alkhalifah

hair shedding GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss nutritional optimization

TLDR Hair shedding is common in GLP-1 users, affecting treatment adherence.

A recent cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia found that hair shedding affects 70% of GLP-1 receptor agonist users, a prevalence ten times higher than reported in registration trials. This issue notably impacts treatment adherence, especially in women experiencing significant weight loss. The study highlights the importance of proactive counseling and nutritional optimization to support continued treatment adherence.

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research Risk of Alopecia Areata with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss

February 2025 in “medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)”

GLP-1 agonists may increase the risk of hair loss.

research Dermatologic Implications of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications: A Comprehensive Review

February 2025 in “Skin Appendage Disorders”

GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause skin reactions, facial fat loss, and hair loss, but may help with wound healing and skin conditions.

research Exploring the Hair Loss Risk in Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: Emerging Concerns and Clinical Implications

January 2025 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide may cause hair loss.

research Telogen Effluvium in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review

July 2024 in “Brazilian Journal of Clinical Medicine and Review”

Hair loss after bariatric surgery is common due to nutrient deficiencies and rapid weight loss.

research GLP-1 Agonists and Hair Loss: A Call for Further Investigation

May 2024 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

More research is needed to understand if GLP-1 agonists affect hair health.

research Association of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on Hair Health

February 2024 in “Medicina-lithuania”

Obesity and bariatric surgery can cause hair thinning and temporary hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies and stress.

research Bariatric Surgery-Induced Telogen Effluvium (Bar SITE): Case Report and Review of Hair Loss Following Weight Loss Surgery

April 2021 in “Cureus”

Hair loss after weight loss surgery can improve over time.

Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations , March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.