Though headlines about “Ozempic butt” and “Ozempic face” have made waves, the most common side effects of Ozempic typically involve weight loss, nausea and digestive discomfort. But can Ozempic cause hair loss?

While there’s anecdotal chatter about people experiencing hair thinning while on the type 2 diabetes drug, the connection is not as straightforward as it seems. Ahead, dermatologists and endocrinologists break down whether Ozempic itself causes hair loss—or whether it’s a side effect of the rapid weight loss some users experience

Does Ozempic cause hair loss?

Currently, there are no clinical studies proving that Ozempic directly causes hair loss. However, research does show that rapid weight loss—a common effect of taking the medication—can lead to temporary hair thinning.

“Weight loss is considered a stress on the body, especially when it’s dramatic,” explains endocrinologist Dr Deena Adimoolam. “That stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which reduces hair growth and leads to shedding.”

Another contributing factor could be malnutrition. Some people on semaglutide (Ozempic’s active ingredient) experience appetite suppression so extreme that they eat very little, which can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients and vitamins.

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone that helps manage blood sugar and reduce appetite. GLP-1 medications themselves are not known to directly cause hair loss, says Dr Jamie Alan. Instead, the issue often stems from not getting enough essential nutrients while losing weight rapidly.

How common is hair loss when taking Ozempic?

Hair loss is a fairly common side effect and often linked to how quickly someone loses weight, says endocrinologist Dr Adimoolam. “It really depends on the rate of weight loss. It’s something I educate all my patients about before they start treatment, so there are no surprises,” she explains.

Dermatologist Dr Janiene Luke adds that more patients are reporting hair thinning after starting semaglutide medications like Ozempic. However, this is still a relatively new area for research, and current studies remain inconclusive.

Still, there are a few leading theories. One suggests that rapid weight loss may disrupt the natural growth cycle of hair follicles. Another proposes that hormonal changes during weight loss could trigger earlier onset of male or female pattern hair loss.

Factors related to weight loss—such as stress and deficiencies in nutrients like biotin, iron, protein or zinc—can also play a role in shedding.

What other weight loss drugs cause hair loss?

Yes, any medication that results in sudden or significant weight loss may also lead to hair thinning. Clinical pharmacist Dr Emily Aboujaoude explains, “Rapid weight loss, regardless of method, can reduce your intake or absorption of essential nutrients. Low levels of iron, zinc, protein, selenium, essential fatty acids, and amino acids can all contribute to hair loss—though the shedding may not appear for a few months.”

What is telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that can be triggered by stress or a sudden change in the body, including weight loss.

Dr Luke explains that it occurs when hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. This cycle includes:

  • Anagen (growing phase)
  • Catagen (transition phase)
  • Telogen (resting phase)
  • Exogen (shedding phase)

Typically, around 85–90% of hair is in the anagen phase and only 10–15% in telogen. But with telogen effluvium, a higher percentage of hair shifts into the resting stage, resulting in noticeable excess shedding.

The good news? It’s usually temporary, especially once the underlying cause—like nutrient deficiency or stress—is addressed.

What causes telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is typically triggered by physical or emotional stress that disrupts the normal hair growth cycle. According to Dr Luke, common causes may include:

  • Recent illness or surgery
  • Childbirth
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Hormonal conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
  • Severe infections
  • Psychological stress or trauma

These stressors can push a larger percentage of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to excessive shedding.

Can you prevent hair loss while taking Ozempic?

While you can’t fully control how your body responds to medications, there are steps that may minimise the risk of hair thinning during treatment.

“It’s important not to lose too much weight too quickly,” says Dr Luke. “Any drastic changes in body weight or prolonged stress can trigger telogen effluvium. Prioritising adequate nutrition, especially during weight loss, can help reduce the risk.”

Ensuring you’re meeting your nutritional needs is essential. “Avoid restrictive diets that eliminate entire food groups,” says pharmacist Dr Aboujaoude. “A well-balanced diet with a variety of nutrients is key. For vegetarians or vegans, it’s a good idea to supplement with iron, zinc, and other nutrients that may be more difficult to get from food alone.”

If the hair loss is caused by a deficiency, supplementation can support healthy regrowth.

Taking the medication only if medically appropriate also matters. “I’ve seen people using Ozempic despite having a normal weight, and they tend to report more issues with hair loss,” notes Dr Adimoolam. “It’s important not to use these medications unless you meet the clinical criteria.”

Will hair grow back after stopping Ozempic?

Yes, in most cases, hair will regrow—even if you continue taking the medication. “It can take several months, but typically the body resets and the hair growth cycle returns to normal,” says Dr Luke. “This process can take anywhere from six to 12 months.”

Dr Adimoolam agrees, noting that recovery time varies depending on the individual. “If the hair loss is caused by telogen effluvium, it may take around three to six months for hair to grow back,” she says.

Ozempic side effects

Hair loss is not listed as an official side effect of Ozempic. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the medication, potential side effects include:

If you notice unexpected symptoms while on Ozempic, it’s best to check in with your GP or specialist to determine the cause and explore other options.

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