GLP-1 medication comparable to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are recognized for his or her capability to assist folks with weight problems and kind 2 diabetes lose important weight. However alongside the numbers dropping on the size, these medication may additionally result in a much less welcome change: elevated hair shedding.
Whereas hair loss isn’t formally listed as a aspect impact of those drugs, a dermatologist admitted she is seeing it typically sufficient to take discover. In keeping with a report by Healthline, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medication, stated, “It’s undoubtedly a standard factor that we’re seeing within the workplace.”
The report, nevertheless, provides, “There’s little printed literature on GLP-1-related hair loss, and it stays unclear how prevalent the situation is or what’s inflicting it. Most consultants imagine any ensuing hair loss isn’t attributable to the medication themselves, however reasonably by the load loss they induce.” This course of can place stress on the physique, doubtlessly resulting in a situation known as telogen effluvium, which is a type of non permanent hair loss that may be set off by bodily, emotional, or way of life adjustments.
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To know extra about this, we spoke to a dermatologist.
Organic hyperlink between fast weight reduction and telogen effluvium, and why would possibly it’s extra noticeable in folks taking GLP-1 medication
Dr Archana Lakshman, dermatologist at GVG Invivo Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Telogen effluvium happens when a big variety of hair follicles enter the resting section of the expansion cycle on the identical time, resulting in elevated shedding. Speedy weight reduction can set off this shift as a result of the physique prioritises important capabilities over non-essential ones like hair progress.”
With GLP-1 drugs comparable to Ozempic and Wegovy, she says, the appetite-suppressing impact “can result in quicker and extra pronounced weight reduction.” If the dietary consumption throughout this era just isn’t rigorously managed, it might exacerbate nutrient deficiencies and hormonal adjustments, making hair shedding extra noticeable. The shedding is normally non permanent.
Speedy weight reduction can set off a shift as a result of the physique prioritises important capabilities over non-essential ones like hair progress (Supply: Freepik)
Dietary or way of life changes that may assist minimise hair loss whereas persevering with therapy with GLP-1 drugs
Dr Lakshman says, “The secret is to make sure that the physique nonetheless receives a balanced consumption of vitamins important for hair well being. Satisfactory protein consumption is significant since hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein that depends on amino acids from the weight loss program. Iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and B nutritional vitamins also needs to be prioritised, both via meals or dietary supplements, as really helpful by a healthcare skilled.”
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She provides that sufferers ought to deal with nutrient-dense meals comparable to eggs, lean meats, legumes, leafy greens, and nuts. Staying hydrated helps wholesome circulation to the scalp. Managing stress via mindfulness or mild train can even assist as a result of stress is one other recognized set off for telogen effluvium.
How can sufferers inform whether or not their hair loss is non permanent shedding or an indication of a unique underlying situation that requires separate therapy?
Dr Lakshman stresses, “Short-term shedding from telogen effluvium usually begins a number of months after the set off occasion, comparable to important weight reduction, and infrequently resolves inside six to 9 months because the physique readjusts. In these instances, new child hairs could also be seen alongside the hairline or parting after the shedding section slows down.”
If hair loss is accompanied by patchy bald spots, scalp irritation, extreme breakage, or persists for greater than a 12 months with out enchancment, it might sign one other situation comparable to alopecia areata, thyroid imbalances, or power dietary deficiencies. In such instances, you will need to seek the advice of a dermatologist or trichologist to know the foundation trigger.
Wish to know extra concerning the launch of anti-obesity drug Wegovy in India, affected person experiences with medication like Mounjaro, and what docs say about their effectiveness? Learn our unique story right here.
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DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
