Will GLP-1s Make Me Lose My Hair? What You Need to Know Before Starting Weight Loss Injections

If you’re considering GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, we at FreshRx want you to have ALL the necessary information to be successful at your fingertips. A very common question we receive before starting someone on a weight loss program is: "Do GLP-1 medications cause hair loss?" So we have laid it all out for readers: here is the truth about what to expect when it comes to hair health and treatment with GLP-1s.

Hair loss or hair thinning is a common concern, especially when you’re already making a big change to improve your health. At FreshRx in Bel Air, Maryland, this is one of the most common questions we hear from patients exploring medical weight loss.

The short answer? No, but also Yes, a little bit... Stay with us- we will explain!

GLP-1 medications do NOT directly cause hair loss, but some people notice increased shedding during ANY rapid weight loss plan (so even sudden, intense diet and exercise can cause extra hair shedding!).

Let’s break down why this happens, what’s normal, and how to protect your hair while losing weight safely.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications used for medical weight loss and blood sugar control. The most popular of these are semaglutide and tirzepatide, because they are the most well-known and they are the ones that have FDA approved versions.

GLP-1 medications work by:

• Reducing appetite

• Slowing digestion (also known as "gastric emptying" or "gastric motility")

• Regulating blood sugar

• Reducing systemic inflammation

• Supporting sustainable weight loss

Many patients in Bel Air and Harford County choose GLP-1 therapy because it is extremely effective, and medically supervised. At FreshRx, are proud to offer complimentary consultations with our board certified Nurse Practitioner who meets with curious prospective patients for a whole hour to collect health history, review all of the weight loss medication info, and help decide which treatment would fit best into each person's lifestyle. Even once treatment has begun, we continue to offer unlimited visits with our Nurse practitioner to make sure the journey doesn't just begin smoothly, but remains smooth and comfortable throughout the process. These thorough consultations and unlimited opportunities for follow-up keep our patients happy and as comfortable as possible.

Do GLP-1s Directly Cause Hair Loss?

No! GLP-1 medications themselves do not cause hair loss.

However, hair shedding can occur as a secondary effect of ANY rapid weight loss plan, not the medication itself. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, and believe it or not, we all experience it, whether on a weight loss journey or not!

What Exactly Is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is actually a totally normal part of the hair growth cycle. In a healthy scalp, about 85% of hairs are in the anagen phase (growth phase) and about 15% are in the telogen phase (resting phase) at one time. The term “effluvium” originates from the Latin root “to flow out."

Telogen effluvium is excessive shedding of those resting (telogen) hairs, usually triggered by metabolic or hormonal stress (like intense dieting!).

Now that we've established that Telogen effluvium is temporary hair shedding that happens when the body experiences stress, let's go over triggers so those who are looking to avoid this during a weight loss journey can do all they can to prevent it. Triggers of telogen effluvium include:

• Rapid or significant weight loss

• Calorie restriction

• Hormonal changes

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Physical or emotional stress

  
  

When this happens, more hair follicles shift into the “resting” phase, causing noticeable shedding. This often occurs 2–4 months after weight loss begins.

The good news?

This is temporary and reversible!

Why Weight Loss Can Affect Hair Growth: Diving Into The "Why"

When you lose weight quickly (especially without proper nutrition), your body prioritizes essential organs over non-essential functions (like hair growth!).

Common contributing factors include:

1. Calorie Deficit

Eating too few calories can disrupt the hair growth cycle.

2. Protein Deficiency

Hair is made of keratin, a protein. Inadequate protein intake can weaken hair strands.

3. Low Iron or Zinc

These nutrients are essential for healthy hair follicles.

4. Hormonal Shifts

Weight loss can temporarily alter hormone levels, affecting hair growth.

At our medical weight loss clinic in Bel Air, we focus on nutritionally supported GLP-1 therapy to reduce these risks. In fact, new patients are given a helpful tip sheet for quick ideas on what to eat and drink to prevent possible experiences such as telogen effluvium. We do our best to arm our patients with all they will need to be successful on their weight loss journey without burdening their lifestyle.

Is Hair Loss Common With GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Hair shedding can certainly happen, but it’s definitely not experienced by everyone. Many patients never notice any changes in hair thickness at all, especially when weight loss is gradual and well-managed.

Those most likely to experience hair shedding include people who:

• Lose weight very rapidly (this one of the reasons is why faster is not always better!)

• Eat too little protein

• Skip supplements

• Have underlying or pre-existing nutrient deficiencies

This right here is why medical supervision matters. Before treatment our Nurse Practitioner looks at laboratory results to make sure patients are fit for treatment, and to make sure they are not at risk for nutrient deficiency-related issues while losing weight with us. Throughout treatment, we will also not hesitate to run additional labs if it is necessary to evaluate any new symptoms that arise. Luckily, it is rare that additional labs are necessary; most patients do quite well when they are adequately prepared to begin their journey, and stick to the tips and advice that we provide along the way.

How Long Does GLP-1–Related Hair Shedding Last?

If hair shedding does occur, it usually:

• Begins 2–4 months after rapid weight loss begins

• Can last 3–6 months

• Improves once weight stabilizes and nutrition is optimized

Hair typically regrows fully with proper care.

How to Prevent Hair Loss While on GLP-1s

At our Bel Air, Maryland wellness practice, we help patients protect their hair and overall health by focusing on the following:

✔ Adequate Protein Intake

Protein is essential for hair growth. We guide patients on meeting daily protein needs.

✔ Balanced Nutrition

Micronutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D matter. We stress to our patients "The Big 3" when it comes to nutrition while on GLP1 medications:

• Hydration

• Fiber

• Protein

✔ Gradual, Sustainable Weight Loss

Slower weight loss reduces stress on the body. Don't worry though, GLP-1 patients still lose about 1-2 lbs weekly during treatment, so still quite fast.

✔ Medical Monitoring

Regular check-ins allow us to adjust dosing and nutrition plans as needed. One edge we feel we carry over many clinics is our flexibility in dosing. Generally, our Nurse Practitioner practices by the "lowest effective dose" philosophy to minimize side effects and discomfort. There is no rigid dosing protocol- everyone is a different case and is treated as such.

✔ Stress Management

Chronic stress can worsen hair shedding. Chronic stress can come in many forms: it can be emotional stress, or physical stress (such as many nights of poor sleep), illness, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, or sustained overtraining. Over time, this ongoing stress can push more hair follicles into the shedding phase.

When Should You Be Concerned?

In general, you should speak with a medical provider if:

• Hair loss is sudden or severe

• You notice bald patches

• Shedding continues beyond 6 months

• You have fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms

These may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.

However, at FreshRx, Nurse Practitioner Ellen Lancaster encourages patients to reach out ANY time, with ANY questions. So if you decide to join our group of growing patients, don't wait until you're concerned, contact our office with any questions at all.

Are GLP-1s Still Worth It?

For most patients this is an absolute yes! The benefits of GLP-1 therapy include:

• Significant weight loss

• Improved metabolic health

• Better immune function

• Better blood sugar control

• Increased confidence and energy

• Fewer cravings for unhealthy food, alcohol, and tobacco/nicotine

Temporary hair shedding is typically minor compared to the long-term health benefits, especially when care is properly managed.

Medical Weight Loss in Bel Air, Maryland

If you’re considering GLP-1 weight loss injections in Bel Air, Fallston, Harford County, Baltimore Country, or the surrounding areas of Maryland, choosing a local, medically supervised clinic makes all the difference.

At FreshRx, we pride ourselves on:

• Personalized treatment plans

• Patient education

• Nutritional support

• Ongoing monitoring

• A compassionate, judgment-free approach

We don’t just focus on the number on the scale. We focus on your overall health, confidence, and well-being.

TLDR: Will GLP-1s Make Me Lose My Hair?

• GLP-1 medications do not directly cause hair loss.

• Any shedding that occurs is usually temporary and related to rapid weight loss—not the medication itself.

• With proper nutrition and medical supervision, most patients lose weight safely without long-term hair concerns.

If you’re in Bel Air, Harford County, or anywhere in Maryland, and have questions about GLP-1 weight loss, hair health, or medical wellness services, we’re here to help.

Local. Supportive. Patient-centered.

📍 22 W Pennsylvania Ave, Bel Air, Maryland 21014

📞 410-929-6051

🌐 www.freshrxwellness.com