GLP-1 therapies and hair loss: A systematic review of current evidence and implications for counseling

    April 2026 in “ Science Progress
    Aditya K. Gupta, Elizabeth M. Teasell, Vasiliki Economopoulos, Paradi Mirmirani
    TLDR GLP-1 therapies, especially semaglutide and tirzepatide, may cause hair loss, particularly in women and with rapid weight loss.
    This systematic review evaluates the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and hair loss, identifying semaglutide and tirzepatide as having the highest incidence rates. Among the 24 studies included, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium were the most reported subtypes, with tirzepatide frequently linked to telogen effluvium due to significant weight loss. Semaglutide's hair loss risk appears dose-dependent, affecting females more. Rapid weight loss is a potential contributor to telogen effluvium. Other GLP-1 RAs like liraglutide and dulaglutide showed lower risks. The review highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms, identify at-risk populations, and confirm causality through large-scale trials.
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