CureusSep 15, 2025

Hair Loss as a Possible Side Effect of Weight Loss Drugs That Activate GLP-1 Receptors: A Review

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 2, 2026

Abstract

More than 1,000 spontaneous cases of hair loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been reported.

Alopecia has been noted as a potential adverse effect of GLP-1RAs, which are commonly used for weight loss.
Gastrointestinal symptoms remain the most frequently reported side effects of these medications.
The review identified nine relevant studies, including clinical trials and cohort studies, though most lacked dermatological verification.
Telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia were the most common types of hair loss noted in the one study that provided clinical patterns.
The findings suggest that GLP-1RAs may influence the hair follicle cycle, though a causal relationship has not been established.
Increased awareness of this possible side effect could enhance treatment adherence and reduce unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

Simplified

Alopecia has recently been reported as a potential emerging adverse effect associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), which are widely prescribed for weight loss. While gastrointestinal symptoms remain the most frequently documented adverse effects, an increasing number of reports describe hair loss events in patients treated with semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, and dulaglutide. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the available evidence regarding this potential association. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and the Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) database through May 24, 2025. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and pharmacovigilance analyses. Most studies lacked dermatological diagnostic confirmation, and only one described the clinical pattern of alopecia, identifying telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia as the most frequent subtypes. The findings suggest that GLP-1RAs may alter the hair follicle cycle. More than 1,000 spontaneous cases have been reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Although a causal relationship cannot be confirmed, the recurrence of cases across diverse settings signals a potential safety concern that warrants clinical attention. Awareness of this possible effect may improve therapeutic adherence and prevent unnecessary diagnostic interventions. Further dermatological research is needed to better characterize the frequency, temporality, and underlying mechanisms of GLP-1RA-associated alopecia.

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Hair Loss as a Possible Side Effect of Weight Loss Drugs That Activate GLP-1 Receptors: A Review

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