Predictors and Characteristics of Hair Loss Among Users of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
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.
Why this grade: Cross-sectional design with self-reported outcomes, no control group, and a modest single-country sample (n=254) limit causal inference and generalizability.
Background The increasing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss and metabolic improvements has led to the recognition of various side effects. One potential, yet underexplored, adverse effect is hair loss. This study aims to investigate the frequency, characteristics, and predictors of hair loss in patients using GLP-1RAs. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted uniquely in Saudi Arabia from January to June 2025, involved 254 participants who had used GLP-1RAs (Mounjaro, Ozempic, Saxenda, or Victoza) for weight loss purposes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, ensuring comprehensive coverage of demographic information, clinical characteristics, and details of hair loss, including timing, severity, and progression. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS v29. Results A total of 254 participants were included in the study, with the majority being female (71.3%) and an average age of 33.28 ± 9.73 years. Hair loss characteristics by injection type revealed no significant differences in prevalence (p = 0.116). However, severe hair loss was significantly more common in Mounjaro (43.4%) and Saxenda (42.9%) users compared to other groups (p Conclusion Our study highlights the significant side effects of hair loss associated with GLP-1RA therapy, particularly in female patients and those using Mounjaro. Although this type of hair loss is typically non-scarring and reversible, it can lead to psychological distress and affect treatment adherence. These conclusions highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of this potential side effect and to provide appropriate support and guidance to their patients.
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