Metabolic Benefits and Dermatologic Consequences: Hair Loss and GLP-1RA Treatment

Original Article: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications and hair loss: A retrospective cohort study

Key takeaway points from the article:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have gained widespread popularity for their use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Within dermatology, increasing discussion has been directed toward the effects of GLP-1RA use on hair health. Proposed mechanisms are currently conflicting. Some viewpoints theorize that GLP-1RA therapy may disrupt normal hair follicle growth cycles, while others hypothesize that the drug class improves vascularization of the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. Despite growing clinical interest, there is limited data regarding the association between GLP-1RA use and hair health. Even more limited are studies evaluating the effects of individual GLP-1RAs. This study aimed to explore the relationship between GLP-1RA use and hair loss.

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, investigators reviewed the electronic medical records of 283 adult patients with androgenic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium (TE), two types of non-scarring alopecia. Patients included were 18 years of age or older and currently taking a GLP1-RA. Patients who were pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, or had stable, preexisting hair loss were excluded. The GLP-1RA agents that were evaluated included dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide.

Overall, the study did not demonstrate a clear association between GLP-1RA therapy and patient-reported hair loss. However, among the 283 patients, three reported new-onset hair loss after initiating a GLP-1RA, and 29 patients with pre-existing alopecia reported worsening hair loss. Regarding the individual agents, a majority of patients (n = 234) were treated with semaglutide. Compared with other GLP-1RAs, semaglutide use was associated with higher odds of reported hair loss (OR = 6.97). However, the disproportionate representation of patients using semaglutide limits the interpretation of this finding.

Despite a subset of patients reporting worsening of preexisting alopecia, this study did not find a clear association between GLP-1RA and hair loss. Given the retrospective study design, prospective controlled studies are needed to determine the true incidence and clinical significance of this potential effect. As further evidence emerges, clinicians may consider revising how they counsel patients regarding GLP-1RA therapy. Dermatologists may also consider evaluating GLP-1RA use in patients with new or worsening hair loss.

Publication Date: May 1, 2026

Reference: Burke O, Sa B, Cespedes DA, Sechi A, Tosti A. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications and hair loss: A retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;92(5):1141-1143. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.01.046

Summary By: Saramarie Azzun