GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Linked to Hair Loss Risk

JAKARTA - GLP-1 drugs that are widely used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss are associated with a risk of hair loss. The risk is said to be low, but still higher than other diabetes drugs.

Euronews, quoted Saturday, July 25, reported that the findings came from a new study published in The BMJ. The study examined glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1, a group of drugs that includes semaglutide and tirzepatide.

GLP-1 was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Later, its use expanded to weight loss, decreased cardiovascular risk, to obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder when breathing repeatedly stops temporarily because the airways are blocked.

In the study, researchers analyzed the electronic medical records of patients taking drugs for type 2 diabetes. They compared GLP-1 users with users of two other types of diabetes drugs, namely SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors.

The results, users of GLP-1 receptor agonists have a 37 percent higher risk of alopecia compared to users of SGLT-2 inhibitors. When compared to DPP-4 inhibitor users, the risk is 68 percent higher.

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Although the increase seems large, the study's authors emphasize that the absolute risk remains low.

"Although the absolute risk of alopecia recorded clinically associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is considered low, this apparent relationship may still affect patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and decisions to initiate or continue therapy," the authors wrote.

Some people who have used semaglutide and tirzepatide have previously reported hair loss. This new study confirms that the risk exists, although it is rare.

The authors also mention that most of the observed cases of hair loss associated with GLP-1 are reversible. This means that the hair still has the opportunity to grow back because the hair follicles remain intact.

Hair follicles are small pockets in the skin where hair grows. If this part is still intact, the chances of hair regrowing are usually still there.

GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced by the gut after eating. These drugs activate receptors in the pancreas to stimulate insulin release, while also working in the brain to help regulate appetite.

The authors say rapid weight loss and reduced calorie intake have long been known to trigger hair loss. Hormonal changes may also play a role, although the mechanism still needs to be further investigated.

Calorie restriction can add pressure to the body. This condition can also be related to a lack of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and biotin, which play a role in the hair growth cycle.

Hair loss usually does not cause physical harm. However, the impact cannot be considered trivial. The authors say the condition can affect patients' confidence, quality of life, and compliance with treatment.

The authors assess that these findings can help patients and doctors make decisions about therapy with more complete information.

Euronews reported that the study's authors still considered that further research was needed to explain the relationship between GLP-1 therapy, weight loss, and hair loss.

Further research is also needed to identify patients who are most at risk of hair loss while undergoing GLP-1 therapy.