In January 2025, it was reported that over 500,000 Brits were, at the time, using weight-loss medication like Ozempic (typically in the form of injections) to help drop up to 20 per cent of their weight. However, despite their desired benefits, many of those using the medication have reported several unwanted side effects, including excessive hair loss. TikTok user Sophia Umansky shared a video talking about her experience on Mounjaro (a weight loss medication) and how she thinks it has caused her hair to shed. "I started Mounjaro about four months ago, and I would say maybe for the past three weeks to a month, I've noticed a dramatic hair loss situation," Sophia says. This content is imported from TikTok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their website. To understand whether or not there is a correlation between the two, Cosmopolitan UK spoke to Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, a hair surgeon at Elithair Clinic, the world's leading hair loss clinic. Can weight loss injections cause hair loss? "Skinny jabs work by mimicking the hormone response in the body that regulates insulin and makes us feel full," Dr Balwi says. "Whilst many skinny jab users report hair loss as a side-effect of the injections, there is currently no direct clinical evidence to prove the correlation. "This isn’t to say, however, that those prescribed the medications can or will not experience hair loss. This can happen in response to the rapid and extreme weight loss that individuals experience when on the medication." Explaining more, Dr Balwi says that while this hair loss may not directly be due to the use of weight loss medication, it could be the result of rapid weight loss more generally. "Research has proven a link between such rapid weight loss and hair loss because of the stress that dramatic weight loss can cause. This hair loss is only temporary, known as telogen effluvium," he says. "It happens due to the physical stress that the body experiences, causing the hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase of the growth cycle prematurely. As a result, those using weight loss injections may experience hair loss and hair thinning." Nutrient deficiencies causing hair loss In addition to the stress on the body, when people lose weight, whether it be through diet, surgery or weight loss injections, it can result in a loss of vital nutrients to the body, Dr Balwi tells us. This can impact hair health. It is, therefore, critical that people are still consuming the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs. Dr Balwi says that common deficiencies linked to hair loss include: Zinc Iron Biotin Protein Hormone imbalances and hair loss "Weight loss injections can also impact hormone levels and thyroid function," Dr Balwi says, "both of which play significant roles in hair health." This could also account for the fact that the majority of patients on social media reporting hair loss as a side effect are female. According to Dr Balwi, those most at risk of experiencing hair loss as a side effect of weight loss injections include: Individuals experiencing rapid weight loss Those restricted to low-calorie diets People with pre-existing thyroid conditions or anaemia Women, who are statistically more likely to experience telogen effluvium Because of this, if you are considering any of these medications, it is important to flag any underlying medical conditions face-to-face with your doctor or GP first so that these pre-existing conditions can be managed. What to do if you experience hair loss when taking weight loss medication Firstly, you should consult with your doctor, who can advise you on why you may be experiencing hair loss. "You should prioritise eating a balanced diet to ensure that, despite the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication, the quality of the food you consume is nourishing your body correctly," Dr Balwi says. Foods to include for adequate nutrition include, according to Dr Balwi: Protein (e.g. lean meats, legumes and eggs) Iron (e.g. spinach, red meat, lentils) Zinc (e.g. pumpkin seeds, shellfish) B vitamins, particularly biotin Omega-3 fatty acids "If it is not possible to get these nutrients into your diet, you should consider taking supplements like biotin, collagen or vitamin D supplements." If you are experiencing hair loss, scalp care should also be a considerable focus; The scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. "By avoiding hair products with sulphates and parabens and focusing instead on gentle and natural ingredients, you can give your hair follicles the best chance of functioning well," says Dr Balwi. All in all, Dr Balwi says that for the most part, hair loss brought on by weight loss injections is not permanent. "It is a temporary condition which can go away once the weight loss plateaus and sufficient nutrients and vitamins are reintroduced into your diet." That said, he does say that "sustained periods of dramatic weight loss or ongoing deficiencies can lead to long-term issues." If you are experiencing hair loss in relation to weight loss medication, we recommend seeking professional medical advice from your GP.
