Limited · human
This cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia (January–June 2025) investigated the frequency, characteristics, and predictors of hair loss among 254 adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) — specifically semaglutide (Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), liraglutide (Saxenda), or liraglutide (Victoza) — primarily for weight loss. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering demographics, clinical characteristics, and hair loss details such as timing, severity, and progression. The majority of participants were female (71.3%), with a mean age of approximately 33 years. The study found that overall hair loss prevalence did not differ significantly across GLP-1RA types (p = 0.116); however, severe hair loss was reported significantly more often among Mounjaro (43.4%) and Saxenda (42.9%) users. Female sex and Mounjaro use were identified as notable predictors of hair loss. The authors noted that the hair loss observed was generally non-scarring and potentially reversible, but associated with psychological distress and possible impacts on treatment adherence. Key limitations include the cross-sectional design (precluding causal inference), reliance on self-reported data, the single-country sample limiting generalizability, and the absence of a control group not using GLP-1RAs.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology · Apr 2026DOI ↗ Limited · human
This cross-sectional study examined self-reported outcomes among 486 adults in Kuwait who were using or had previously used GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) injections — Semaglutide (n=181), Liraglutide (n=152), or Tirzepatide (n=132) — for weight loss, surveyed between February and May 2024. Participants completed an online questionnaire covering demographics, weight change, side effects, and quality of life. The study found that Tirzepatide users reported the highest average monthly and annual weight loss, along with the greatest satisfaction (88%) and most frequently reported improvements in quality of life (60%) compared to the other two agents. Side-effect profiles differed across groups: Tirzepatide users more commonly reported belching, while Liraglutide users reported higher rates of anxiety and were more likely to switch medications. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in BMI, dietary adherence, or treatment compliance. Key limitations include the cross-sectional, self-report design, recruitment via online survey (introducing selection bias), lack of clinical verification of outcomes, and the inability to establish causality. The study also does not account for differences in duration of use, dosing, or baseline characteristics across groups.
Frontiers in nutrition · May 2025DOI ↗ Limited · human
This retrospective, non-interventional drug utilization cohort study examined real-world prescribing patterns of two liraglutide formulations in the United Kingdom: Saxenda® (3.0 mg, approved for weight management) and Victoza® (1.2/1.8 mg, approved for type 2 diabetes). Using anonymized primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD Aurum and GOLD databases), researchers identified 604 Saxenda® initiators and 4,853 Victoza® initiators who had no prior liraglutide prescription in the preceding 12 months. Descriptive statistics characterized demographics and drug utilization patterns. The study found that, where body weight data were available, 96.4% of Saxenda® initiators met the weight loss indication criteria. Saxenda® users were predominantly female (86.4%), younger (mean age ~46.5 years), and had shorter follow-up periods compared to Victoza® users. The authors concluded that both formulations were mostly prescribed in line with their approved indications and that real-world use raised no new safety signals. Key limitations include incomplete weight data for approximately half of Saxenda® initiators, the observational nature of the study, and reliance on administrative/primary care records, which may not capture all clinical details or secondary care prescribing.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · Apr 2025DOI ↗