GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of hair loss: Study

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide are associated with increased risk of hair loss (alopecia) in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in BMJ.

Researchers compared 12,004 GLP-1 users with 15,221 SGLT-2 inhibitor users and 11,964 GLP-1 users with 11,233 DPP-4 inhibitor users using Penn Medicine data.

Rapid weight loss from these drugs is a well-established trigger of hair shedding and can lead to iron or zinc deficiencies disrupting hair growth.