Telogen Effluvium and Metabolic Stress in Modern Weight Loss Interventions: A Narrative Clinical Review

This narrative review examines telogen effluvium (TE) as a frequent side effect of modern weight-loss interventions, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide and tirzepatide) and bariatric surgery. TE involves hair shedding due to systemic stress, rapid weight loss, and endocrine changes, without causing permanent follicular damage. The review emphasizes that while micronutrient deficiencies play a role, the primary causes of TE are systemic metabolic stress and homeostatic disruption. TE is typically reversible once metabolic stability is achieved, and understanding it as a temporary condition is important for patient counseling and maintaining adherence to weight-loss treatments.