Some individuals using Ozempic have reported an unexpected side-effect associated with the drug.
Ozempic is commonly prescribed as an injection for individuals managing type 2 diabetes by controlling their blood sugar levels. Despite its intended purpose, the drug has gained popularity among those seeking weight loss.
However, it should be noted that Ozempic has not received approval as a weight loss medication, unlike alternatives such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
“Ozempic is a medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that, along with diet and exercise, may improve blood sugar. While not for weight loss, Ozempic may help you lose some weight,” according to the information on Ozempic’s website.
While several individuals are opting for drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other GLP-1s for weight reduction, one user has highlighted an unforeseen side-effect that has left them feeling ‘horrified’.
In a post on the Ozempic Reddit forum, a user shared their experience: “I’m desperate. For the last month I’ve been losing so much hair that I’m literally horrified I will become bald soon. I have tried everything. I’m taking vitamins, iron, biotin, I’m using special shampoo and spray, applying minoxidil, swallowing up electrolytes, using special brush, stuffing my hair in silk bonnet for the night, absolutely nothing is working.”
She elaborated: “I lost pretty big amount of weight in a short period of time but I’m not even close my goal yet. But is it worth it? For now, I’m heading the path to become bald and fat, because at this rate I will sooner lose all of my hair than get to my goal weight. Please help because I’m loosing my mind.”
The underlying reason for this hair loss is not the medication itself, but rather a reaction to rapid weight loss.
Endocrinologist Kathy Zhou, MD, shared insights with Cleveland Clinic: “Your body can perceive weight loss as a stress. As this happens, it begins to hold on to resources for your vital organs. It wants to protect your heart before it worries about giving you a nice head of hair.”
This type of hair loss is scientifically referred to as telogen effluvium, although some may colloquially call it ‘Ozempic hair’.
Dr. Zhou further explained why GLP-1 users might experience this phenomenon: “Most of your hair — about 80% to 90% — is usually in a grow-grow-grow phase. But when your body experiences a stressor, more hair gets pushed into that ‘quiet’ resting phase. From there, it’s just a few weeks to months until you start to see hair loss.”
Attempts have been made to contact Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, for their comments on this issue.