In short
Zepbound lists hair loss in up to 5% of people, against 1% on placebo, and Wegovy 2.4 mg in 3%, against 1%. It was more common in women. Shedding may show 2 to 3 months in, and often improves once weight stabilizes. Whether the medicine itself causes it is not established.
How common it is
| Label | All people | Women | Men | Placebo (women, men) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound (5, 10, 15 mg) | 5%, 4%, 5% | 7.1% | 0.5% | 1.3%, 0% |
| Wegovy (2.4 mg) | 3.3% | 4% | 0.9% | 2%, 0% |
| Wegovy (7.2 mg) | 5.8% | 8.4% | 0.2% | Overall placebo 1% |
The Zepbound label says hair loss was associated with weight reduction. Its figures for women and men are pooled across doses. The Mounjaro and Ozempic labels give no rate and list hair loss only among reports after approval.
Why it may happen
A review describes temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium, which may appear about 2 to 3 months in and typically improves within 3 to 6 months after weight stabilizes. The same sources point to rapid weight loss and low protein or nutrient intake.
What the studies show
An analysis of 9 studies found hair loss in about 3.9% of people, about three times as likely as without the medicine. A large records study also found a link. Authors caution that the cause is not established, results are mixed, and no prospective controlled study has looked at this specifically. It is also unconfirmed whether hair regrows after stopping.
What is still unknown
Studies do not all agree. Some find a higher risk and others do not, and observational studies cannot show that the medicine is the cause. Reviews also point out that people lose hair for other reasons, which is why working out the type matters. If you have just started, it may help to note the date you first saw shedding, what your weight was doing, and how much you were eating.
What experts suggest
- Get enough protein and nutrients, and ask a dietitian if you are eating very little.
- Avoid dramatic weight loss and severe calorie restriction.
The protein estimate gives a daily range, and what to eat on a GLP-1 and muscle loss and protein cover the food side. The side effects guide covers other symptoms.
What to ask a doctor
Hair loss has several types, so a doctor or dermatologist can work out which you have. Treatments, or any change to your dose, are decisions for them.
The joint advisory lists excessive hair loss among signs of nutrient deficiency, so mention it to your prescriber.
How Reko helps
Note when you first noticed shedding, alongside your weight and protein. Reko keeps your symptoms beside your doses, so you can show your prescriber when something began and how it changed. It does not tell you what a symptom means, and it never suggests a dose.
Questions people ask
Does semaglutide or tirzepatide cause hair loss?
Hair loss is listed on the Wegovy and Zepbound labels, and it was more common than on placebo. Authors of recent papers say the cause is not established, and that rapid weight loss may play a part.
Is GLP-1 hair loss more common in women?
On both labels, yes. On Zepbound it was 7.1% in women and 0.5% in men. On Wegovy 2.4 mg it was 4% and 0.9%.
When does GLP-1 hair loss start?
One review says shedding may appear about 2 to 3 months after starting, and typically improves within 3 to 6 months after weight stabilizes.
Is hair loss on the Mounjaro or Ozempic label?
Those labels give no rate. They list hair loss only among reports after approval.
Can protein prevent hair loss on a GLP-1?
No source we read shows that it prevents it. Reviews suggest getting enough protein and nutrients and avoiding severe calorie restriction.
Will my hair grow back?
A review says this type of shedding typically improves after weight stabilizes, but it is unconfirmed whether hair regrows after stopping the medicine. Ask a doctor about your own case.
Reko records what you and your prescriber decide. This guide is general information and not medical advice.
Read next
Recipes to try
These are ordinary recipes and do not treat any side effect.
Useful tools
- Mounjaro prescribing information on DailyMed. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Zepbound prescribing information on DailyMed. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Ozempic prescribing information on DailyMed. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Wegovy prescribing information on DailyMed. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Gupta AK et al. Review of GLP-1 medicines and hair loss. Sci Prog 2026.
- Piraccini BM et al. Commentary on GLP-1 medicines and hair loss. Dermatol Ther 2026.
- Vidal SI et al. Research letter on GLP-1 medicines and hair loss. JAAD Int 2026. An observational cohort.
- Cheng PL, Chang HC. Analysis of hair loss in GLP-1 trials. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2026. Abstract read.
- Mozaffarian D et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint advisory. Am J Clin Nutr 2025;122(1):344-367. Mostly expert opinion.