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Side effect · Zepbound

Hair loss on Zepbound

Hair shedding on a GLP-1 usually shows up months after weight loss starts, which is why many people do not connect the two.

Clinician review pending Updated
On Zepbound
4% to 5%
label rate
On placebo
1%
same trials
Extra vs placebo
up to 4points
attributable to the drug, roughly

Pooled placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Zepbound label (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg).

Hair loss across GLP-1 medicines

Zepboundplacebo 1%
5.0%
Wegovyplacebo 1%
3.0%
Highest rate across label doses. Different trials and populations, so compare with care.

Why it happens

Rapid weight loss, a big drop in calories and low protein are known stressors on hair. They can push many hair follicles into a resting phase at once, a pattern called telogen effluvium. The hair then sheds a few months later.

It is not clear whether GLP-1 medicines affect hair directly or whether the shedding comes from fast weight loss itself. The same pattern is seen after bariatric surgery.

When it starts and fades

Telogen effluvium typically starts about 2 to 4 months after the trigger, so shedding may begin well into treatment. It often slows within several months as weight loss levels off.

In most cases hair grows back over time, though regrowth is gradual.

What helps

  • Hit your daily protein floor, since low protein is a known hair stressor.
  • Aim for steady loss rather than the fastest possible pace.
  • Eat a varied diet with enough iron, zinc and other nutrients; ask about testing before adding supplements.
  • Be gentle with hair: avoid tight styles and harsh heat.
  • Track shedding with photos so you can see whether it is slowing.

Other Zepbound side effects

Nausea25% to 29%Diarrhea19% to 23%Vomiting8% to 13%Constipation11% to 17%Stomach pain9% to 10%Heartburn and indigestion7% to 9%Injection-site reactions6% to 8%Fatigue5% to 7%Burping3% to 6%Gas3% to 4%Bloating3% to 4%Dizziness3% to 5%

Common questions

How common is hair loss on Zepbound?

In the trials behind the label, 4% to 5% of people on Zepbound reported it, vs 1% on placebo.

Does Zepbound cause hair loss?

Hair loss is listed on the Zepbound label and was more common than on placebo in trials. It is likely linked at least partly to rapid weight loss.

Will my hair grow back after Ozempic?

With telogen effluvium, hair usually grows back over several months once the trigger settles. See a clinician if it does not.

Can protein prevent GLP-1 hair loss?

Getting enough protein supports healthy hair, but it may not prevent all shedding after fast weight loss.

Sources

  1. Zepbound prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. SURMOUNT-1 trial publication

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error