Can Weight Loss Injections Cause Hair Loss?

While weight loss injections like Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda are helping people to lose weight, some people have reported hair loss as a surprising side effect.

If you have noticed you’re losing more hair than usual, you’re not alone. It is now a recognised temporary response to rapid weight loss. The good news is that it generally isn’t a lasting effect, it is only temporary and it can be managed. Read on to find out what the evidence says, what you can do to keep your hair healthy and how we can help you at the pharmacy.

Is hair loss a real side effect of weight loss injections?

Yes, people using weight loss injections have reported hair loss as a side effect. In fact, it was referred to in 2022 a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study compared how tirzepatide injections (Mounjaro) compared with a standard diet and exercise regime. Included was a table showing how many participants had side effects. Hair loss was reported by between 4.9% and 5.7% of participants.     

However, It isn’t thought that hair loss has any connection to the medication used in the injections. It’s more to do with the metabolic changes that occur with rapid weight loss. Studies carried out on people who have lost weight quickly without injections have also reported issues with hair loss.    

Why rapid weight loss can make your hair fall out

Temporary hair loss is called telogen effluvium. It is caused by lack of nutrients, low protein diets and the stress on your body of losing weight quickly. Your hair stops growing and starts to fall to fall out instead. It normally starts a few months after you start dieting and it can last for around 6 months.  

What should I do to keep my hair healthy during weight loss?

Helping to keep your hair healthy basically means eating well. Although your appetite is reduced, try to eat regularly. Include protein, iron and zinc, biotin, omega 3s and vitamin D as these are all likely to improve your hair health.

• Proteins include chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans lentils and tofu.
• Iron comes from red meat, fortified cereals, spinach, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas and lentils.
• You can get zinc from cashews, pumpkin seeds, eggs, chickpeas, beef and shellfish.
• Omega 3s are found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and algae-based supplements if you don’t eat fish.
• Biotin is in avocado, salmon, sweet potato, nuts and eggs.

How can the pharmacy help?

The pharmacy can recommend a daily multivitamin to boost your nutrient intake and energy levels. We can also recommend a vitamin D supplement and mild shampoos made especially to combat hair loss.

If you are using our weight loss clinic for your injections, we are always available to talk to you about any concerns and advise you about healthy nutrition.

If you are thinking about using weight loss injections and would like a consultation, you can book an appointment online, by calling into the pharmacy or by giving us a call on 01276 21002.