The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) has observed a recent troubling trend among people who are using the GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic (semaglutide) to achieve rapid loss. Although semaglutide is licensed to treat type II diabetes and weight loss, when used inappropriately it can cause rapid weight loss leading to severe consequences including substantial hair loss.
Rapid weight loss in and of itself can cause temporary telogen effluvium, which is a form of hair shedding which can further contribute to hair loss in susceptible individuals. However, AHLA have also hypothesized that the hormonal shifts caused by the semaglutide, and other similar medications can produce hormonal shifts that can trigger not only the temporary telogen effluvium but also early onset male and female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.
Hair loss associated with androgenic alopecia is progressive and permanent however the progression can be delayed by using compounded medicines that contain something to prevent the hair loss, DHT receptor antagonists, such as finasteride combined with a hair growth promoter, such as minoxidil. APC labs are specialists at compounded such combination products, if you require further information, please contact us.
Hence, the AHLA recommends that the semaglutide be used only in accordance with its licensed indications, type II diabetes and weight loss and under the supervision of an experienced prescriber.
Researchers had observed as early as 1975 that when the rapid weight loss did not include supplemented protein, it led to a negative nitrogen balance and hair loss. However, with an increase in protein intake during fasting to preserve the nitrogen balance, the hair loss is eliminated.
Hence, it has been suggested that when mobilized body protein plus dietary protein are insufficient to meet requirements, the low priority of hair growth for available protein accounts for the telogen effluvium and not the rapidity of weight loss per se.
This brings up an important point when using products such as semaglutide, weight loss will occur due a decrease in the caloric intake which in turn means that the intake of nutrients and proteins will decrease. Thus, will taking the semaglutide it is important to supplement your reduced diet with proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. If you are concerned about whether you are getting enough proteins along with the necessary vitamins and minerals contact us at APC Labs for more advice.
Reference
Blackburn GL, Bistrian BR. Hair loss with rapid weight loss. Arch Dermatol. 1977;113(2):234.
Written by Mr. Shazlee Ashan
BSc Pharmacy, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases, Ipresc
