Penn Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to 68% Higher Hair Loss Risk
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 23
Penn Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to 68% Higher Hair Loss Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 23
Summary
Nearly 50,000 patients in a BMJ study showed GLP-1 users faced a 37% higher alopecia risk than SGLT-2 users and a 68% higher risk than DPP-4 users.
University of Pennsylvania researchers said the signal builds on regulator reports tied especially to semaglutide and tirzepatide, with the FDA already evaluating the potential safety issue.
399 UK reports of hair loss tied to tirzepatide have been logged so far in 2026, after 541 in 2025; semaglutide drew 148 reports this year after 164 last year.
Researchers said rapid weight loss and reduced calorie intake are the most likely drivers, potentially causing physiological stress, nutrient deficiencies and hormone-related changes that disrupt hair growth.