Hair loss due to Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro: cause, recovery and 5 things you can do yourself

Yes, hair loss occurs with slimming products such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. In the Wegovy studies, 2.5% of users reported hair loss, compared to 1.0% on placebo, and more often in people who lost 20% or more of their weight^[1]. This usually concerns telogen effluvium: temporary extra hair loss that starts 2 to 5 months after a major change in your body, such as rapid weight loss^[4]. Most people recover, even if they continue treatment^[1]. So do not stop taking your medicine on your own, but discuss it with your doctor. In this blog you can read how it works, how long it takes, when to go to the doctor and what you can do yourself.

In this article

• Can you get hair loss from Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
• Why does your hair fall out if you lose weight quickly?
• How long does hair loss last due to losing weight?
• Is it telogen effluvium or something else?
• When should you go to the doctor?
• What can you do yourself against hair loss while losing weight?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Can you get hair loss from Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide; Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. These are so-called GLP-1 agents, which are often used for type 2 diabetes and obesity. The official product information for both products lists hair loss as a possible side effect^[1][2].

The figures from Wegovy's European product information are the clearest:

• Hair loss was reported in 2.5% of people on semaglutide and in 1.0% on placebo^[1].
• It was more common in people who lost a lot of weight (20% or more of their body weight)^[1].
• The complaints were usually mild and most people recovered during continued treatment^[1].

Mounjaro's product information states that the side effect of hair loss mainly applies to people who are overweight or obese^[2]. A large American study from 2025 with more than 1 million patients also found a higher risk of hair loss after 12 months among users of GLP-1 agents than among comparable non-users^[5]. Whether the drug itself is the cause, or especially the rapid weight loss, is not yet completely clear.

Why does your hair fall out if you lose weight quickly?

Every hair goes through a cycle: a long growth phase, a short transition phase and a rest phase after which the hair falls out. Normally 85 to 90% of your hair is in the growth phase and 10 to 15% in the resting phase^[3]. On average, you lose 50 to 100 hairs per day^[4].

With a major change in your body, some of the hairs enter the resting phase at the same time. That's called telogen effluvium. Well-known causes include a crash diet or greatly reduced food intake, iron or vitamin D deficiency, fever, surgery, childbirth and long-term stress^[3][4]. Because GLP-1 drugs greatly reduce your appetite, you often eat much less than you are used to. That fits exactly into this picture.

The treacherous thing is the delay. The hair loss usually only becomes noticeable 2 to 5 months after the cause^[4]. As a result, you don't immediately think about your slimming pill, but you only become alarmed once you have been doing it for a while. You can also read more about this type of hair loss in our blog about hair loss in autumn.

How long does hair loss due to weight loss last?

With acute telogen effluvium, hair loss usually stops within 3 to 6 months (maximum one year), if the cause does not repeat itself^[4]. After that, the hair still has to grow back. Because hair grows about 1 cm per month, a visible improvement can take up to 1.5 years^[3].

If the hair loss lasts longer than 6 months, doctors speak of chronic telogen effluvium^[3]. Then it is extra important to look for a cause with your doctor.

Is it telogen effluvium or something else?

Losing weight quickly can also make an existing predisposition to hereditary baldness more visible. In the large study from 2025, the researchers not only saw more telogen effluvium in GLP-1 users, but also more androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). They found no increased risk for alopecia areata^[5]. The differences at a glance:

When should you go to the doctor?

Telogen effluvium is annoying, but usually harmless. However, a visit to the doctor is wise if you have any doubts, especially in these situations:

• The hair loss lasts longer than 6 months^[3].
• You see bald spots. These do not match telogen effluvium^[4].
• You also feel very tired, listless or different than normal.
• You eat so little because of your medicine that you have difficulty eating a varied diet.

The doctor can have blood taken. According to the guidelines of Dutch dermatologists, this includes hemoglobin, ferritin and iron, thyroid value (TSH) and vitamin D^[3]. In the event of a deficiency, an appropriate supplement will follow.

Important: never stop taking Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro yourself due to hair loss. Discuss it first with the doctor who prescribed it. Sometimes it helps to adjust the pace of losing weight or your diet.

What can you do yourself against hair loss while losing weight?

There is no treatment that accelerates the recovery from acute telogen effluvium^[4]. You can ensure that your hair gets the best chance:

1. Eat as varied as possible. A crash diet or eating too little is a known trigger^[4]. Ask your doctor or a dietitian how to get enough in with little appetite.
2. Have deficiencies detected. Iron and vitamin D deficiency can cause or worsen hair loss^[3]. Don't blindly take supplements, but have your blood checked first.
3. Be kind to your hair. Tight ponytails, lots of heat and aggressive brushing won't help if your hair is already sensitive.
4. Be patient. Most people recover^[1]. Growing hair back takes months.
5. Consider minoxidil if it takes longer. The Dutch dermatologists recommend minoxidil 5% foam 1 to 2 times a day for hair loss that lasts 6 months or longer, or if there are signs of hereditary hair loss^[3]. Shorter than 6 months? Then waiting is usually the advice.

If you choose minoxidil, foam is often more tolerable than lotion, because lotion often contains propylene glycol, a substance that can irritate the scalp^[3]. Use it for at least 6 months before judging the effect^[3]. In the beginning you may lose more hair; Read more about this in our blog about minoxidil shedding. Minoxidil does not guarantee hair growth. Consult your doctor first if you have a heart or vascular condition^[6], preferably do not use it if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant^[6], and it is not intended for young people under the age of 18. Stop immediately and notify a doctor if there is swelling of the lips, tongue or face^[6].

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Frequently asked questions

Does Ozempic or Mounjaro make you bald?

Usually not. The hair loss associated with slimming pills is often associated with telogen effluvium: thinning hair spread without actual bald spots, which is usually temporary. If you see bald spots or if it continues for a long time, go to the doctor.

Will my hair grow back if I continue with my medicine?

According to Wegovy's product information, most people with hair loss recovered during continued treatment. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

How much hair loss per day is normal?

On average, a person loses 50 to 100 hairs per day. With telogen effluvium, this may temporarily increase, for example visible in the shower or your brush.

Does minoxidil help against hair loss due to weight loss?

For short-term hair loss, waiting and waiting is usually the advice, because it will recover naturally. Dermatologists recommend minoxidil 5% foam for hair loss that lasts 6 months or longer or for signs of hereditary hair loss. There is no guarantee of results; if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do vitamins or hair supplements help?

Only if you have a deficiency. Iron and vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss. Have this checked by your doctor first instead of taking it yourself.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of October 2026.

Sources

1. European Medicines Agency, Wegovy: summary of product characteristics and package leaflet
2. European Medicines Agency, Mounjaro: summary of product characteristics and package leaflet
3. Dutch Association for Dermatology and Venereology (NVDV), domain group Hair and nails, Telogen effluvium guide
4. Amstelland Hospital, Dermatology department, Telogen hair loss (patient brochure)
5. Akiska YM, Vidal SI, Menta N et al., Increased Incidence and Risk of Hair Loss with Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists, EMJ Dermatology 2025 (English)
6. Apotheek.nl (KNMP), Minoxidil on the skin