As we enter a new year, a big thing people tend to focus on is “new year, new me”. One of the most common goals is getting into shape, whether that’s joining a gym or starting a new diet.
A big thing that became popular last year was weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic. In this blog, I’m going to discuss whether these weight loss jabs can affect your hair in any way.
Do weight loss jabs cause hair loss?
Research shows that some people using weight loss jabs have experienced hair loss. However, this isn’t actually caused by the jabs themselves – it’s more to do with how quickly the weight is being lost.
These jabs can lead to rapid weight loss in a short amount of time, which puts the body under stress. When the body is under stress, it can prioritise essential functions and temporarily reduce energy going to hair growth, which is what can trigger hair loss.
Is hair loss from weight loss jabs permanent?
The good news is that this type of hair loss is temporary and the hair does grow back. It is known as Telogen Effluvium.
Telogen Effluvium is one of the most common types of hair loss and is usually caused by:
- Stress
- Changes within the body
When does hair loss usually start?
With Telogen Effluvium, hair shedding doesn’t usually happen straight away. It often begins around 2–3 months after rapid weight loss or a stressful change to the body. This can be worrying if you’re not aware of the delay, but it is completely normal for this type of hair loss.
Understanding the hair growth cycle
Your hair goes through three main stages of growth and shedding:
- Anagen (growth): This is the most active stage. Around 80–90% of your hair follicles are in the anagen stage at any one time.
- Catagen (resting): This is a transitional stage in the growth cycle. Around 5% of hairs are in this stage at any time.
- Telogen (shedding): This is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle, where the hair follicle becomes inactive.
When the body experiences stress, more hairs than usual can enter the telogen stage at the same time, leading to noticeable shedding.
What does this type of hair loss look like?
Hair loss linked to weight loss jabs usually appears as:
- Increased hair shedding when washing or brushing
- Hair feeling thinner overall
- More hair noticed on pillows, clothes, or in the shower
This type of hair loss does not usually cause bald patches, which can be reassuring to know.
Nutrition and weight loss jabs
Another side effect of weight loss jabs is a reduced appetite. Eating less means you may not be getting all the nutrients your body and hair need.
If you are using these jabs, it’s important to make sure the meals you are eating include:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Biotin
Where possible, it’s best to get these nutrients through a balanced diet. If you are considering supplements, it’s always a good idea to speak to your GP first.
Hormones, thyroid health and hair loss
Weight loss jabs can also affect hormone balance and thyroid function. I would always recommend speaking to your GP before starting any weight loss jabs, especially if you already have thyroid issues or nutritional imbalances.
How to support your hair during weight loss
If you are experiencing hair shedding, there are a few things you can do to help support your hair:
- Be gentle when brushing and styling
- Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair
- Reduce excessive heat styling where possible
- Focus on scalp health and regular cleansing
- Avoid extreme dieting alongside weight loss jabs
These steps won’t stop Telogen Effluvium completely, but they can help minimise breakage and support healthy regrowth.
A final note:
Weight loss jabs can be an effective tool for some people, but it’s important to be aware of how rapid weight loss can affect your body including your hair. If you do experience hair shedding, try not to panic. In most cases, it’s temporary and your hair will recover once your body adjusts and is properly nourished.
Looking after your nutrition, managing stress, and seeking advice from your GP or a hair professional can all help support healthy hair during your weight loss journey. If hair loss continues for longer than 6–9 months or becomes patchy, it’s important to seek further medical advice.