Weight-loss jabs can cause users to lose more than just weight
Jen Thomas
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock
Weight-loss jab users run the risk of losing more than just weight, according to a new study.
Researchers have linked GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, with an increased risk of hair loss.
The Times reports the new study examined data from a huge number of people.
The information from 50,000 people was looked at, and the researchers found that taking GLP-1 drugs are linked to an increased risk of developing alopecia, compared to other diabetes medications.
Advert
The patients were taking the GLP-1 medication to treat Type 2 diabetes, rather than intentionally for weight loss.
The shocking figures show there is a 37 per cent to 68 per cent higher risk for people taking GLP-1 drugs.
According to the new report, regulatory bodies including the UK's MHRA and the FDA in the US have both received 'hundreds' of reports relating to hair loss after taking these medications.
The research was published in the British Medical Journal, and found that the hair loss most commonly presents as non-scarring alopecia.
This type of alopecia means that the hair follicles usually remain intact, and there's a chance it might regrow, unlike the scarring types.
The researchers reported that the rapid weight loss many people experience on the jabs could be to blame, along with the reduced calorie intake.
That's in addition to any associated physiological stress, or could be put down to nutrient deficiencies if users aren't getting enough essential micronutrients due to the reduced calorie intake.
Many jab users have shared their concerns on social media, with many posting recommendations for products they use or take with the idea of preventing hair loss.
The researchers acknowledged that extreme or rapid weight loss is known to trigger hair shedding.
The authors of the study acknowledged that the risk of hair loss associated with GLP-1 treatment was 'small', but stressed it should be 'taken into account when making treatment decisions.'
They said: "Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with a higher incidence of clinically recorded hair loss, particularly non-scarring alopecia, in patients with type 2 diabetes" when compared with two other types of diabetes medication.
A representative for Novo Nordisk said: " It is important to note that rapid or excessive weight loss can influence hair loss in of itself. Weight loss may be associated with following certain restrictive low-calorie diets and insufficient intake of micronutrients like essential vitamins and minerals. Hair loss has also been reported following metabolic or bariatric surgery.
"Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is not licenced for the treatment of weight loss. No evidence of hair loss exists for Ozempic in the clinical trials for Type-2 diabetes.
"In clinical trials for Wegovy(semaglutide injection) hair loss was noticed and is included in the SmPC as a side effect. Most of the events of hair loss in Wegovy-treated adult patients were resolved or were resolving on continued treatment.
"Hair loss was reported in 3 percent of Wegovy-treated adult patients vs 1 percent of placebo-treated adult patients. None of the events of alopecia were serious, and most of the events were mild in severity.
"More than half of the events of alopecia were assessed by the investigator as unlikely to be related to trial products."
And a rep for Eli Lilly said: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.
"The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that hair loss is a common side effect in patients treated with Mounjaro for weight management.
"We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."