Medicines such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can make a big difference for people living with obesity. As more people use these treatments, some notice increased hair shedding, especially during the months when weight is coming off quickly. This can feel worrying, but in most cases it is temporary, common, and reversible.
What’s Causing the Hair Loss Mounjaro Wegovy?
The most common reason is a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a normal response the body can have to big changes or stress, including:
Rapid weight loss and decreased body fat can cause hormonal changes that potentially lead to temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium.
- Losing weight quickly
- Not eating enough protein or essential nutrients
- Illness, stress, or hormonal changes
- The body adjusting to appetite changes from treatment
- Decreased appetite and reduced food intake from these medications can slow the digestive system and lead to nutrient deficiencies
It does not cause bald patches and does not damage the hair roots.
Significant weight loss and weight reduction can push hair follicles into the shedding phase (resting and shedding phase, telogen phase), resulting in noticeable hair loss. Mounjaro hair loss is typically temporary and related to these mechanisms. Nutritional deficiencies and lack of essential nutrients can contribute to hair loss during this process.
Introduction to Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern, especially for people experiencing rapid weight loss with medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. While these weight loss drugs are highly effective for weight management and can help improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, some people notice temporary hair loss as a side effect. This can be distressing, as changes in hair can affect both appearance and self-confidence. Understanding why hair loss occurs during weight loss, and knowing that it is usually temporary, can help you manage this side effect and focus on the bigger health benefits these medications provide. By being proactive and informed, you can take steps to support your hair health while staying on track with your weight management goals.
Types of Hair Loss
Not all hair loss is the same, and understanding the type you’re experiencing can help you find the right solution. The most common type linked to weight loss and medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro is called telogen effluvium. This condition happens when a large number of hair follicles shift into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair shedding. Telogen effluvium is typically temporary and often resolves once your body adapts to changes in weight or nutrition. Other types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, are influenced by genetics and hormones and are less directly related to weight loss or these medications. Knowing the difference can help you and your healthcare provider decide on the best approach to support healthy hair regrowth.
Hair Growth and Regrowth
Healthy hair growth depends on a variety of factors, including the health of your hair follicles, your nutritional intake, and how well you manage stress. Eating a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients your body needs like iron, zinc, and biotin can help support hair regrowth and overall hair health. Managing emotional stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can also make a difference, as stress can contribute to hair shedding. If you’re experiencing hair loss while losing weight, it’s important to stay hydrated, eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and check in regularly with your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your progress, suggest nutritional supplements if needed, and adjust your treatment plan to promote healthy hair growth and minimize further hair loss. With the right support, most people see their hair return to normal as their weight stabilizes and their body adapts.
What Does Hair Loss from Mounjaro or Wegovy Look Like?
People usually notice:
- More hair in the shower, on the pillow, or when brushing, and may notice hair loss or temporary shedding
- Hair thinning across the whole scalp is a common sign
- No redness, pain, or scarring
If you notice hair loss or increased hair thinning, it is usually temporary shedding related to recent changes.
It usually starts 2–4 months after a big change in weight or nutrition.
Does Wegovy or Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?
A common question is whether hair loss is a side effect of these prescription medications. Most people lose hair because of the speed and amount of weight loss, not the medicine itself. However, some people on Mounjaro or Wegovy have reported hair shedding as a side effect. This is thought to be linked to the way these prescription drugs affect appetite and nutrition, rather than direct damage to the hair.
Wegovy and Ozempic are the same medication (semaglutide), but Wegovy is FDA approved for long term weight management and chronic weight management in people with a weight related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Wegovy also has a higher maximum dose than Ozempic. Clinical studies and clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine (N Engl J Med, England Journal) support the effectiveness and safety of these prescription medications for significant weight loss, management of blood sugar, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease, kidney failure, and serious cardiovascular events. Low blood sugar can occur as a side effect, especially when these medications are used with other diabetes treatments.
The good news – Hair almost always grows back once weight and nutrition stabilise.
How Long Does It Last?
Many people see improvement within 3–6 months.
If shedding continues beyond 6 months, or if you notice bald patches, let your healthcare professional know, they may want to check for another cause.
If you experience symptoms of allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, in addition to persistent hair loss, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
What You Can Do to Help Your Hair Recover
Prioritise Protein
Because appetite drops on these medicines, it’s easy to under-eat. Aim to include protein at each meal. For many adults, a target of 1.2–1.5 g per kg per day is recommended during active weight loss. Examples include eggs, yogurt, beans, fish, chicken, tofu, or protein supplements if needed.
Support Your Nutrition
Nutrients that matter for hair include:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Vitamin B12
Your clinician may check your levels if shedding continues.
Aim for Steady Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss increases the chance of hair shedding. A steady, sustainable pace is usually easier on your body and your hair.
Look After Your General Health
- Drink enough water
- Get good sleep
- Manage stress where possible
- Be gentle with your hair (avoid tight styles and harsh treatments)
Stay in Touch With Your Clinician
Let your clinician know if:
- Shedding is severe
- You notice bald patches
- Shedding continues for more than 6 months
- You feel unwell or are struggling to eat enough
Sometimes adjusting dose pace or reviewing nutrition can help.
The Bottom Line
Hair shedding during weight loss can be upsetting, but it is common, temporary, and treatable.
Most people find their hair returns to normal once their weight and nutrition stabilise.
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and similar treatments can bring major health benefits and with the right support, you can manage side effects and stay on track with treatment.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
