'I'm a doctor - here's why some people are more at risk of hair loss on weight loss jabs than others'

It's reported over 500,000 Brits are taking some sort of weight loss jab, helping to drop between 15-20% of their weight in just months. With so many people resorting to jabs such as Mounjaro, and Wegovy, more people are discovering side effects from the injections.

Ozempic, the type 2 drug is used to help regulate blood sugar levels for people with the condition. But ever since the caught wind of its weight loss side effects, has been ablaze with posts about the jab. However many people claim the medication is causing their hair to fall out.

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‌Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair doctor at Elithair Clinic, a world leading hair loss clinic, has shared some of the reasons why those taking the jabs may be noticing hair loss - and explains how you can prevent the unwanted side effect.

"Jabs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide work by mimicking the hormone response in the body that regulates insulin and makes us feel full. Whilst many users report hair loss as a side-effect of the injections, there is currently no direct clinical evidence to prove the correlation.

"This isn't to say, however, that those prescribed the medications can or will not experience hair loss. This can happen in response to the rapid and extreme weight loss that individuals experience when on the medication," he explained.

Rapid weight loss causing hair loss

The expert said there has been a proven link between such rapid weight loss and hair loss because of the "stress that dramatic weight loss can cause". He explained: "This hair loss is only temporary, known as telogen effluvium. It happens due to the physical stress that the body experiences, causing the hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase of the growth cycle prematurely. As a result, those using weight loss injections may experience hair loss and hair thinning."

Nutrient deficiencies causing hair loss

In addition to adding stress to the body when people lose weight - whether it's from dieting, surgery or injections, it can also mean there is a huge loss in vital nutrients to the body - something Dr Balwi said "can impact hair health". He said it's "critical" that those taking injections are "still consuming the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs."

Common deficiencies linked to hair loss include:

• Zinc

• Iron

• Biotin

• Protein

Hormone imbalance causing hair loss

These jabs can also impact hormone levels and thyroid function, Dr Balwi explained. Both of which play significant roles in hair health. "This could also account for the fact that the majority of patients reporting hair loss as a side effect are female."

So for those most at risk of potentially experiencing weight loss, these include:

• Individuals experiencing rapid weight loss

• Those restricted to low-calorie diets

• People with pre-existing thyroid conditions or anaemia

• Women, who are statistically more likely to experience telogen efflivium

"Because of this, if you are considering any of these medications, it is important to flag any underlying medical conditions with your doctor or GP first so that these pre-existing conditions can be managed," Dr Balwi urged. If you do experience hair loss as a side effect, the expert recommended consulting with your doctor, who can help advise on why you may be experiencing hair loss.

"You should prioritise eating a balanced diet to ensure that despite the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication, the quality of the food you consume is nourishing your body correctly. “If it is not possible to get these nutrients into your diet, you should consider taking supplements like biotin, collagen or vitamin D supplements."

Foods to include for adequate nutrition include:

• Protein (e.g. lean meats, legumes and eggs)

• Iron (e.g. spinach, red meat, lentils)

• Zinc (e.g. pumpkin seeds, shellfish)

• B vitamins, particularly biotin

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Aside from food, there are also steps to take in order to help your hair. Firstly focusing on scalp care is important, as the scalp is the "foundation for healthy hair". The doctor said by avoiding hair products with sulphates and parabens and focusing instead on gentle and natural ingredients, you can give your hair follicles the best chance of functioning well.

"The good thing is that hair loss brought on by weight loss injections is, for the most part, not permanent. It is a temporary condition which can go away once the weight loss plateaus and sufficient nutrients and vitamins are re-introduced into your diet.

"However, sustained periods of dramatic weight loss or ongoing deficiencies can lead to long-term issues. It is best to act quickly and consult your doctor as soon as you experience hair loss as a result of taking weight-loss injections."

Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com

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