Wegovy Hair Loss: What You Need To Know Before Starting the Treatment

Quick Overview

Some people taking Wegovy (semaglutide) notice increased shedding of their hair, though this happens only in a small number of users. Around 2.5–3.3% in clinical studies. In most cases, their hair loss isn’t caused by the medication damaging their follicles. Instead, it’s usually the response of their body to rapid weight loss, having short-term nutrient deficiencies, or the physical and emotional stress that they are experiencing because of big lifestyle changes. The good news is that this type of hair shedding is typically short-term. Having the right nutritional support, a realistic approach to weight loss, and guidance from your healthcare provider, hair growth usually returns once your body finds its balance again.

 

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used to support your weight loss. It belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were first developed to help patients with type 2 diabetes.

Over time, researchers discovered that semaglutide can also help with weight management. Today, Wegovy is commonly prescribed for people who are living with obesity or weight-related health conditions, particularly if diet and exercise alone haven’t helped them achieve their desired goals.

Wegovy is an injectable treatment. You can take it once a week, and it will work on your goal gradually rather than overnight. It can help reduce your appetite and increase your feeling of fullness, making it easier for you to eat less and feel satisfied for longer periods throughout the day.

 

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy mimics a natural hormone of our body called GLP-1. It plays a role in:

• Regulating our appetite
• Slowing the emptying of our stomach
• Improving our blood sugar control

When we take this medication, it can help reduce our hunger and food cravings by acting on appetite centres in our brain. So if you are a Wegovy user, you will naturally eat less and lose weight efficiently.

However, the rapid or significant weight loss that you are experiencing can cause temporary stress in your body – and this is where hair loss can occur.

 

Does Wegovy Cause Hair Loss?

This is one of the most common concerns people have in mind before they start Wegovy. And that’s a good question.

 

So, does Wegovy cause hair loss?

The short answer is: it can make your hair shed, but not as serious as how you fear it, and it’s just temporary.

 

Clinical evidence & Statistics

In clinical studies, people who reported shedding their hair are about 2.5 – 5.3% of Wegovy users compared to about 1% of people who are not taking the medication. While the numbers are a little higher, this side effect is not common.

You also need to know that Wegovy doesn’t damage hair follicles or permanently affect your hair growth. Instead, the hair shedding that you may experience is usually linked to rapid weight loss and adjustment to significant metabolic changes in your body. When our body is under physical stress – such as losing weight quickly – it can actually shift our hair into a shedding phase.

The good part is that when your weight loss stabilises and your body adapts to the medication, your hair growth typically returns to normal.

 

Insights from Preprint & Media Coverage

As the recent observational studies and media reports have suggested, people who are using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy may have a higher likelihood of reporting hair shedding compared with other weight-loss treatments.

However, experts consistently explain to the patient that:

• The hair loss they are experiencing is not permanent.
• It typically occurs months after their weight loss begins.
• Regrowth usually happens once their weight and nutrition have stabilised.

 

Why May Wegovy Cause Hair Loss?

Knowing why hair loss may occur can help you feel more in control and less worried.

 

Rapid Weight Loss and Telogen Effluvium

The most common reason for your hair loss while taking Wegovy is called Telogen effluvium.

This happens when your body is experiencing sudden stress because of:

• Rapid weight loss
• Eating far fewer calories than usual
• Illness or surgery

Because of this stressor, your hair follicles shift too early from the growth phase to the resting phase. That’s why you can see more hair falling out within 2–4 months after the trigger. It’s usually noticeable when you are washing or brushing your hair.

The good thing is that telogen effluvium is temporary. Once your hair follicles go back to its normal health, your hair growth will usually return.

 

Nutritional Deficiencies & Hormonal Shifts

If you are experiencing rapid weight loss, it can sometimes cause nutritional deficiencies, including:

• Protein
• Iron
• Zinc
• Biotin
• Vitamin D

Our hair is a non-essential tissue, so when our body detects that the resources are limited, it will prioritise the vital organs instead. Having mild deficiencies can still affect your hair growth cycles.

Additionally, changes in your insulin level, leptin, and stress hormones during your weight loss may also contribute to the shedding of your hair.

 

Physiological and Emotional Stree

If you are on your weight loss journey, it can be emotionally demanding. The changes you are experiencing, like lifestyle changes, calorie restriction, and body adaptation, can all place stress on your nervous system.

Chronic stress can increase the level of your cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt your hair growth cycles when it’s elevated for prolonged periods.

This combination of physical and emotional stress explains why your hair loss may appear even when your weight loss feels positive overall.

 

Wegovy Side Effects: Hair Loss and Beyond

Common Side Effects

Aside from hair loss, here are the most common side effects that you may experience while taking Wegovy:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue

Once your body has adjusted to the treatment, these symptoms will typically improve.

 

Rare/Emerging Side Effects

These are the less common or emerging side effects while taking Wegovy:

• Hair shedding
• Dizziness
• Gallbladder issues linked to rapid weight loss
• Nutrient deficiencies if dietary intake is insufficient

Take note that side effects may vary widely, and most users do not experience weight loss at all.

 

Managing Hair Loss While on Wegovy

If you notice increased shedding, there are effective ways to support hair health while continuing treatment.

 

Nutritional Strategies

Good nutrition is the key to preventing and reversing your hair loss.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Protein: Your hair is mostly protein (keratin), so make sure that you get enough.
• Iron: This is important for having healthy hair; eat iron-rich foods or take supplements if you need to.
• Supportive nutrients: Zinc, biotin, and vitamin D can help keep your hair strong.
• Balanced meals: Avoid cutting your calories extremely; your body needs fuel to grow your hair.
• Quality over quantity: If you’re not very hungry, just focus on eating nutrient-rich foods rather than large portions.

Your clinician or dietitian can help you get the right nutrients without slowing your weight-loss progress.

 

Hair Care Best Practices

While your hair is shedding, treat it gently:

• Avoid styles that tighten your hair.
• Minimise using heat styling.
• Use mild shampoos and conditioners.
• Avoid brushing your hair aggressively

Although telogen effluvium will not stop with these steps, they can help prevent unnecessary breakage and maintain the health of your scalp.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should speak to your healthcare provider if:

• Your hair loss is sudden or severe
• Shedding of your hair continues beyond 6 months.
• You are experiencing fatigue, dizziness, or other deficiency symptoms
• There is a personal or history of hair disorders from your family.

They may recommend blood tests to assess your iron levels, thyroid function, or vitamin deficiencies.

 

Conclusion

Wegovy is a proven and effective weight-loss treatment. And for most people, it does not cause hair loss.

If you notice some shedding of your hair, it’s usually temporary and part of your body adjusting to rapid changes. Not a sign of permanent hair damage.

You can reach your weight-loss goals without compromising your long-term hair health by keeping your realistic expectations, eating a balanced diet, and getting professional guidance.

And if your hair loss becomes your big concern, addressing it early can help with both peace of mind and faster regrowth.

 

FAQs

• Does Wegovy cause permanent hair loss?

No. Wegovy will not cause permanent weight loss. It is usually temporary and reversible once your weight stabilises or you already meet the needed nutrition.

• How common is hair loss with Wegovy?

Hair shedding with Wegovy is not very common. Clinical trials show it affects about 2.5–3.3 out of every 100 users. And some real world studies suggest that the risk is a little higher than other weight-loss medications.

• What causes hair loss in Wegovy users?

Most of the time, hair loss is not directly from the medication itself. It usually happens because your body is adjusting to rapid weight loss, and nutrient deficiency, as well as stress on your lifestyle changes. This pattern is called telogen effluvium. It means that your hair is taking a short break before regrowing.

• Will my hair grow back?

Yes. You may notice regrowth within 3-12 months once your body adapts and your nutrient levels are restored.

• How can hair loss be minimised while on wegovy?

You need to prioritise eating protein-rich food, correct your nutritional deficiencies, manage your stress, practise gentle care for your hair, and seek your doctor’s guidance as early as possible.