Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss? Common Side Effects of Popular Weight Loss Medications

The popular medication Ozempic works by lowering blood sugar and suppressing appetite. It may be prescribed to people who have type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar, but it can also be used to help with weight loss. 

As with any medication, Ozempic can have several side effects. Some users have reported hair loss, although this has been minimally studied, and there is limited scientific evidence to confirm it. 

Ozempic and Its Role in Weight Loss

This injectable medication is typically prescribed to people with diabetes to help keep blood sugar levels from spiking and reduce the risks of heart disease. It’s a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist drug, meaning it binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the body. This helps to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. 

Ozempic also slows down your digestion. This means that food will move more slowly through your digestive tract, helping you stay full longer and ultimately eat less. By cutting calories, Ozempic can help you lose weight, but it is ideally paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?

There is no concrete scientific evidence proving that Ozempic causes hair loss; however, some people who have taken it have claimed to notice their hair falling out or shedding more excessively than usual. Hair loss from Ozempic may not be directly related to the drug itself but more related to the weight loss that the drug causes. 

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A similar medication called Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide), has been shown to cause some hair loss as well. Possible hair loss from Ozempic and other weight loss drugs can vary—from simply shedding more strands than usual to feeling like you are losing large clumps of hair at a time. There are a few different reasons why you may experience hair loss while taking Ozempic including nutrient deficiencies, hormonal shifts, and stress.

Nutrient deficiencies

Some people may experience nutrient deficiencies when taking Ozempic—this is a potential reason why they may experience hair loss. Nutrient deficiencies while on Ozempic are more common in people with poor dietary habits or malabsorption issues. 

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Since Ozempic reduces your appetite, it will cause you to eat smaller amounts of food. For this reason, it can be more difficult to get adequate vitamins and nutrients from food alone, so you may have to supplement with vitamins and minerals to meet nutritional needs and prevent things like hair loss. Vitamins important for maintaining hair health include biotin, zinc, and iron. 

Hormonal shifts 

Ozempic can cause certain hormonal shifts since it acts on the hormone, (GLP-1). Hormonal shifts and fluctuations can cause your hair growth to change leading to potential hair loss. 

Stress

Dealing with chronic conditions or trying a new medication can trigger stress in your life. Or you may be dealing with stress in other areas of your life, as most people are. Poorly managed stress can be a cause of hair loss. Take steps to manage your stress by spending time outside, exercising regularly, and taking breaks from work when you can. 

Addressing the Impact of Ozempic on Female Users

It isn’t entirely clear if hair loss from Ozempic is more common in men or women because this has not been proven as a direct side effect of the medication. Having your hair thin out or fall out as a result of taking medication can be especially challenging for someone who is used to having long and healthy hair. If you are experiencing significant hair loss while taking Ozempic, it may be time to talk with your doctor about whether this medication is a good option for you. 

Tips to Prevent Ozempic Hair Loss

If you start to experience hair shedding while on Ozempic, you’ll want to take some steps to prevent it. Below are some tips to help you prevent losing hair while on Ozempic. 

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Make sure you’re eating a diet rich in nutrients so that you can prevent any nutrient deficiencies. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Working with a registered dietician like those at Ahara can help you maintain a nutrient-rich diet while taking weight loss medications. 

Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals if Needed

Talk with your doctor about whether you need to supplement any vitamins or minerals to help keep your body healthy and hair growing as it should. You may need to incorporate more biotin, iron, or zinc into your diet. Because being on Ozempic causes people to eat less, you may need to take supplemental vitamins to get enough. 

Manage Stress Levels

Poorly managed stress can cause hair to shed and fall out. Get into a self-care routine to make it a daily practice so you can feel your best and keep stress levels at bay. Take steps to keep your stress levels at bay by doing things like:

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• Practicing meditation and breathwork
• Exercising regularly
• Making time to see friends and family
• Taking breaks from work when needed
• Getting plenty of fresh air

Take Steps to Keep Hair Healthy

Reducing the amount of chemicals and heat you’re using on your hair can help to keep your hair healthy and strong. Cut back on dying your hair and using heat styling tools like hair straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers. Pay attention to the products you use on your hair to ensure they do not contain damaging and artificial chemicals. 

Talk with Your Doctor  

If you’re concerned about hair loss from Ozempic, it is important to talk with your doctor about this side effect. Taking medications requires always weighing whether the benefits are worth the drawbacks. If you begin to experience significant hair loss while taking Ozempic, which is interfering with your quality of life, you may not be a great candidate for the medication. Also, hair loss may indicate other underlying conditions, or it could be a side effect of another medication you are on. 

There are many reasons why you may experience hair loss while taking Ozempic, which is why it is important to talk with your doctor about the side effects and any other concerns you may have. Your provider can help you determine the best route going forward since everyone’s weight loss journey is unique. 

Exploring Ozempic Alternatives

Ozempic is one of several effective weight loss medications on the market today. It is important to weigh your options before settling on a weight-loss medication. Some other alternatives to Ozempic include semaglutide and tirzepatide. 

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is actually the same active ingredient that is present in Ozempic. You may also hear of semaglutide being sold under the brand name “Wegovy.” At Ahara, we offer compounded semaglutide as one of our prescribed weight-loss medications. 

Semaglutide provides effective results for weight loss, working to lower blood sugar levels and suppress appetite to help create a calorie deficit and shed weight. Compounded semaglutide means that the medication is tailored to your unique needs to provide the dosage that is best for you. This allows your provider to order the exact dose you need while including ingredients to help enhance the drug as needed. 

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is another weight loss medication that is similar to Ozempic and semaglutide. One difference in tirzepatide is that in addition to acting on the GLP-1 receptors in the body, it also affects another hormone called GIP or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. When the drug acts on these receptors and hormones, it helps to lower blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. 

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The weight loss program by Ahara is designed to set you up for success. Our online program connects you with a healthcare provider who you can speak with to get a prescription for weight loss medications. You’ll also have regularly scheduled monthly check-ins and access to nutritional coaching from registered dietitians. We are happy to offer compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide, two effective weight-loss medications easily personalized to your unique needs. 

Concluding Remarks and FAQs

Side effects from Ozempic will vary from person to person. Although there has not been any scientific evidence to prove that Ozempic can cause hair loss, some users have reported this uncomfortable side effect. If you start to notice your hair falling out while taking Ozempic, schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss the best path forward. 

FAQs

Will my hair grow back after stopping Ozempic?

If you experience hair loss while on Ozempic, your hair will most likely grow back when you stop taking the medication. It may take a few months for your hair growth to feel normal again when you stop taking Ozempic. 

What is the biggest side effect of Ozempic?

Nausea is the most common side effect of Ozempic. As you get used to having a smaller appetite and begin eating smaller meals, it is very common to experience nausea. Making sure to never use Ozempic on an empty stomach and eating small frequent meals throughout the day can help reduce this side effect. 

How do you prevent Ozempic hair loss? 

It's not entirely clear if Ozempic directly causes hair loss. To prevent hair loss while taking Ozempic, ensure that you are eating a nutrient-rich diet that is high in lean protein and vitamins, keep your hair healthy by avoiding hair dyes and heat, and make sure to keep stress levels to a minimum.

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