Ozempic hair: losing weight but losing hair? Let's talk trade-offs

For many, the name Ozempic has become a buzzword for quick weight loss, the so-called “miracle shot” that’s all over TikTok and Instagram.

Originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic (semaglutide) and similar GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have exploded in popularity for one reason: they work, writes "Vogue".

But behind the viral success stories and dramatic before-and-after pictures, there’s a quieter conversation unfolding. Some people are discovering an unexpected cost: thinning hair, receding hairlines and a face that looks older overnight.

When New York facial plastic surgeon Dr Jennifer Levine spoke to "Vogue", she described what’s now known as “Ozempic face” as skin that looks gaunt, loose, and tired because of rapid weight loss. “Think raisin instead of grape,” she said.

Now, a new term is trending, “Ozempic hair”, and it’s sparking honest questions about what these injections are doing to our bodies.

Why is my hair falling out?

If you’re shedding more than usual, you’re not alone. Experts say the main culprit is rapid weight loss itself, not necessarily the drug.

When your body drops weight too quickly, it goes into survival mode, prioritising vital organs over things like hair growth. This condition, called telogen effluvium, is not unique to Ozempic.

Hair loss happens whenever there’s significant stress on the body. Surgery, crash diets, and major life stress can all push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding.

A 2022 study in the "Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology" found that about 23% of people on medical weight-loss programmes reported some hair thinning.

Is the hair loss permanent?

For most people, it’s temporary. According to Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, telogen effluvium usually peaks around three months after the trigger and slows down as your body adjusts. In most cases, normal hair growth returns within six months.

But that doesn’t make it any less distressing. For many women, hair is deeply tied to identity and confidence. Seeing it thin out can feel like swapping one insecurity for another. 

Anyone losing weight quickly could see strands shedding. But certain people are more likely to notice:

• Women (telogen effluvium is statistically more common in women).
•  Anyone on a low-calorie diet.
• People with thyroid issues or anaemia.
• Those with pre-existing nutrient deficiencies.

Ozempic itself may not directly cause hair loss. It’s more about how the medication affects appetite, calorie intake and nutritional balance. The National Health Institute states that rapid weight loss is one of the key triggers.

“When the body loses weight quickly, it prioritises vital organs and may divert nutrients away from hair follicles.”

The result is increased shedding, typically a few months after weight loss begins.

What does “Ozempic hair” look like?

According to the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism", keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Noticeable thinning all over the scalp, not just patches.
• Brittle-textured hair that snaps or feels dry.
• Extra shedding when brushing, washing or on your pillow.
• Loss of volume, especially at the crown or hairline.

Can you prevent or reverse “Ozempic Hair”?

In most cases, this hair loss is temporary. According to Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, telogen effluvium usually lasts three to six months, and hair often regrows once your body adjusts.

Here’s what experts recommend:

• Eat for your hair. Even on a calorie deficit, prioritise protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins like biotin and vitamin D.
• Consider supplements. A daily multivitamin and targeted supplements (like omega-3s or biotin) can help fill nutritional gaps.
• Manage stress. Meditation, gentle exercise, and good sleep can all support hair health during big life changes.
• See your doctor. If hair loss is severe or you have underlying conditions (like thyroid issues), talk to your healthcare provider. Treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy may help in stubborn cases.

Ozempic vs Wegovy: Is one worse for hair loss?

Both medications use semaglutide as the active ingredient, so their side effect profiles, including hair loss, are nearly identical. According to Clinic Hunter, no definitive evidence shows that one causes more hair loss than the other. The risk mainly depends on how quickly you lose weight and your overall health.

So … is it worth it?

For some, the trade-off feels fair: a smaller body but a few months of thinner hair. For others, it’s a bigger emotional blow than expected. And then there’s the unspoken reality: what happens when you stop?

Weight can creep back, and hair might not come back as thick as before.

While these GLP-1 drugs can be life-changing for people with obesity or diabetes, they’re not a magic fix. They work best when combined with long-term lifestyle changes, balanced eating, movement and support from a trusted healthcare team.