When people come into my clinic to ask about Wegovy, most of the conversation is usually about weight loss results, side effects like nausea, or what to expect as the dose increases. Lately, I’ve had more patients ask a different question: “Can Wegovy cause hair loss?”
It is not a strange concern. Hair loss is emotional, noticeable, and can feel more alarming than other side effects. Most of the time, hair loss is not something listed as a side effect of Wegovy, but I have had patients tell me they notice their hair shedding once they start the medication.
Understanding Wegovy and Its Role
Wegovy basically helps with appetite and keeping blood sugar in check. I tend to suggest it when weight gain starts causing problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes. Dosing begins at a lower level and gradually increases, with one common step being Wegovy 7.5 mg. Patients often ask about side effects at each stage, which is why questions about hair loss come up during dose adjustments.
What the Research Says About Wegovy and Hair Loss
In the official trial data and prescribing guide, hair loss is not listed as a direct side effect. I cannot say Wegovy directly causes hair loss, because the studies have not shown that link. What I do notice is that some people begin shedding hair once the weight starts coming off. In my experience, it usually has more to do with the stress of losing weight quickly than with the medicine itself.
Hair growth is tied to overall nutrition and metabolic health. When weight loss occurs quickly, the body may enter telogen effluvium, a temporary state where more hair follicles than usual enter the resting phase, resulting in noticeable shedding. Telogen effluvium is not specific to Wegovy and can happen with many ways of losing weight, such as dieting or after bariatric surgery.
Why Some People Notice Hair Shedding on Wegovy
There are a few reasons this might happen. When someone is eating less, the body often prioritizes vital organs, and hair can get less attention. I also tell patients that losing weight can cause small hormonal changes that temporarily affect the hair cycle. Stress can play a role too, both from the physical strain of losing weight quickly and from the emotional strain of adjusting to lifestyle changes.
In many cases, this type of shedding does not last. As weight levels out and nutrition improves, hair usually starts growing back at its normal pace.
What Patients Can Do
If you’re concerned about Wegovy hair loss, the first thing I suggest is talking with your doctor about your diet. I usually ask whether patients are getting enough protein and key nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin D, because not getting enough can make shedding worse.
Sometimes I suggest a daily multivitamin or targeted supplement if the diet is insufficient. Stress is another factor I bring up often. Rapid weight loss can be stressful on the body, and daily emotional stress can make shedding more noticeable. Building in good sleep habits, light exercise, or a simple relaxation routine can help.
I also encourage patients to note when hair loss starts and whether it changes as their weight stabilizes. That timeline can help decide if shedding is temporary or if further testing is needed.
Answering Common Wegovy Questions
Because many people are new to Wegovy, I often receive repeated questions. Patients ask if hair loss will be permanent, if it signals a problem with the medication, or if they should stop treatment. In most cases, shedding is temporary and not a reason to discontinue Wegovy. However, I always encourage patients to report new or concerning symptoms so we can evaluate them properly.
Hair changes may be more noticeable at certain dose increases, such as during the transition to Wegovy 7.5 mg. For some, this is the body adjusting to faster weight loss. For others, it may indicate dietary intake needs closer review.
So, Can Wegovy Cause Hair Loss?
From what I’ve seen, Wegovy hair loss is not reported in studies, but some people notice shedding. It usually comes from rapid weight loss or diet changes, and often slows as weight and nutrition stabilize.
If you notice hair changes while using Wegovy, discuss them with your doctor. These kinds of Wegovy questions are important because they ensure your treatment plan supports overall health, not just weight. With some guidance and support, many people can continue making progress with Wegovy while their body adjusts, and over time, their hair often starts to recover as well.
