NYU Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to 7% Higher Male Hair Loss Risk
Updated
Updated · Morningstar · Sep 3
NYU Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to 7% Higher Male Hair Loss Risk
3 articles · Updated · Morningstar · Sep 3
Summary
A genetic analysis found men predisposed to androgenetic alopecia face a 7% higher hair-loss risk when GLP-1 activity is elevated, tying drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound to male-pattern baldness.
NYU Langone researchers used GLP1R gene activity as a marker for GLP-1 agonist exposure and found the association held after adjusting for hypertension, insulin resistance and lower testosterone.
The study, published Sept. 3 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, is described by the authors as the first genetic evidence for a biological link rather than hair shedding caused only by rapid weight loss.
Researchers said the findings could eventually support pre-prescription screening and combination treatment such as minoxidil, but they still need to identify the mechanism and test whether the link also applies to women.