Weight loss drugs may raise hair loss risk

A new study suggests that some widely used weight loss medicines may increase the risk of hair loss (alopecia).

These medicines are mainly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

They work by copying natural hormones in the body that help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite making it easier for some people to lose weight.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Health System compared people taking GLP-1 medications with those using other diabetes treatments.

They found that people using GLP-1 drugs appeared to have a higher rate of hair loss.

The study also noted that U.S. health regulators have received many reports of hair loss after the use of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

According to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) there were 399 reports of hair loss linked to tirzepatide in 2026, compared with 541 reports the previous year.

For semaglutide, 148 reports were received in 2026 while 164 reports were recorded the year before.

Experts say the findings show a possible link between these medicines and hair loss.

However they stress that more medical research is needed to confirm whether the drugs are directly responsible.