A new study from the University of British Columbia says an ingredient used in popular weight loss drugs could have side effects linked to hair loss.
Semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, has been linked to an increased likelihood of hair loss.
Researchers assessed data from 16 million patients from 2006 to 2020 and compared the effects of users taking semaglutide-based drugs to those taking Contrave, a bupropion/naltrexone drug.
“Those considering using semaglutide strictly for weight loss might want to factor in hair loss as a possible limitation of these drugs, and in particular, women who may want to use semaglutide,” the study said.
The authors also noted that more research is required to further analyze the relationship between hair loss and “GLP-1 agonists.”
“The risk-benefit calculus to treatment initiation may be different for those with diabetes or morbid obesity and they may be more willing to accept hair loss as a potential risk of semaglutide treatment than those using semaglutide for recreational weight loss,” they wrote.
Novo Nordisk, the company manufacturing both drugs, told CNBC that it “remains confident in the benefit-risk profile of our GLP-1 medicines, when used consistent with their indications and product labeling.”
The company has conducted studies showing that there are risks of hair loss when taking Wegovy.
