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Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania published their findings on Wednesday, July 22
NEED TO KNOW
- A study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found GLP-1 medications are linked to a higher risk of hair loss, primarily non-scarring alopecia
- Hair loss cases remain rare, with 3 to 9 per 1,000 users annually, but may impact treatment decisions
- GLP-1 drugs, originally for type 2 diabetes, are now also widely used for weight management and appetite control
A new study has linked the use of GLP-1s with increased hair loss.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania compared GLP-1 medications with “other antidiabetic medications” and found that “GLP-1 drug use was associated with a higher overall risk of alopecia over an average follow-up of 2.7 years” in the study, published Wednesday, July 22 in The BMJ.
“Although the absolute risk of clinically recorded alopecia associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist use is low, the observed association may still influence patients’ satisfaction, adherence, and decisions to start or continue therapy,” Yong Chen, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, wrote.
Despite the link between hair loss and GLP-1 use, the rate of alopecia in patients using the drug remains fairly low, with about 3 to 9 per 1,000 medication users per year, according to the study. Chen wrote that this information could still inform some people’s decision to take the drug.
“Hair loss is a patient-valued outcome, and even cases captured in routine clinical care may be important for shared decision-making,” Chen continued. “Although hair loss does not typically result in physical harm, it may have significant psychosocial consequences, affecting self-esteem, quality of life, and adherence to treatment.”
Those impacted primarily were diagnosed with non-scarring alopecia, according to the study. This common form of hair loss is frequently associated with weight loss, fluctuations in hormones, or taking new medications, according to Mayo Clinic. If no scarring occurs, hair regrowth may be possible.
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GLP-1 medications were “initially developed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels” in 2005, but more recently have been prescribed for weight management.
GLP-1s are “naturally-occurring hormones” in the human body released from the gut after eating, and according to Mayo Clinic, GLP-1 medications are used “to boost the amount of insulin our bodies make to keep our blood sugar within a normal range, as well as provide the sensation of fullness after a meal” to curb cravings.
The most popular GLP-1 medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Read the original article on People
