Can Zepbound Cause Hair Loss? Discover the Truth

Zepbound is a new prescription medication designed to help adults struggling with obesity or overweight and weight-related health problems. It shows promise as an effective tool for weight management but many users often have concerns about its side effects, including the possibility of hair loss.

Hair thinning and loss can be distressing and impact one’s self-esteem, making it crucial to understand whether Zepbound poses such a risk.

In today’s article, we look at whether Zepbound might cause hair loss. We’ll explain the science behind the medicine, share what users have experienced, and offer expert opinions to help you understand this issue clearly.

Understanding Zepbound and Its Role in Weight Loss

Zepbound, approved by the FDA on November 8, 2023, is a new weight loss medication. It competes with drugs like Wegovy from Novo Nordisk.

This prescription medication is intended for adults dealing with obesity or weight-related health issues. It helps in weight management by mimicking the effects of two key hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.

Zepbound is administered once a week via injection, providing a convenient solution for those struggling with weight loss.

How Does Zepbound Work?

Zepbound works by copying the actions of two natural gut hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones are crucial in regulating appetite, insulin sensitivity, and the rate at which food exits the stomach.

GLP-1: This hormone helps you feel full and satisfied after eating, which can lead you to eat less. By reducing hunger and increasing the sensation of fullness, it helps curb calorie intake.

GIP: This hormone assists your body in releasing insulin after you eat, which lowers your blood sugar levels. Improved insulin sensitivity can also contribute to better metabolic health and weight loss.

By mimicking the actions of GLP-1 and GIP, Zepbound helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces your overall calorie intake, ultimately aiding in weight loss.

Hair Loss Causes and Types

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by many things like genetics, hormonal changes, lack of nutrients, medical issues, and medications.

Androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss and is mainly genetic. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems can also cause hair thinning or loss. A poor diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can harm hair health too.

For many, it’s a natural part of aging, but for others, it can be a distressing condition with multiple potential causes.

Types of Hair Loss

There are several types of hair loss, each with different characteristics and underlying causes. The following are some common types:

1. Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, it is the most prevalent type and is largely hereditary. It usually manifests as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.
2. Telogen Effluvium: This type occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) simultaneously, often triggered by stress, illness, or major life events. This results in diffuse thinning across the scalp.
3. Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and leads to patchy hair loss. It can affect scalp hair and sometimes other body hair.

RELATED: Zepbound Can Cause Constipation: Here’s How to Find Relief

Does Zepbound Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, hair loss has been reported as a common side effect in clinical studies of Zepbound (tirzepatide). Overall, approximately 4% to 5% of people using Zepbound experienced hair loss, compared to just 1% of those taking a placebo.

This side effect was observed more frequently in females, with 7.1% reporting hair loss, while only 0.5% of males experienced this issue.

However, it’s important to note that no participants discontinued the clinical studies due to hair loss. This suggests that while hair thinning can occur, it may not be severe enough to warrant stopping the medication for most users.

Why Might Zepbound Cause Hair Loss?

The exact reason why Zepbound might cause hair loss isn’t completely known, but there are a few possible explanations:

One possible cause is the quick weight loss some people have while taking the medication, which can place physical stress on the body and temporarily disrupt normal hair growth cycles, leading to a type of diffuse thinning known as telogen effluvium.

Additionally, changes in nutrient absorption or hormonal fluctuations triggered by Zepbound may also play a role in hair thinning. As researchers keep studying this side effect, learning more about these causes can help reduce hair loss for people taking Zepbound.

RELATED: 7 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight on Zepbound

What Research Says

Unfortunately, there’s limited research specifically linking Zepbound to hair loss, as the medication is still relatively new. However, by examining existing studies on similar medications, we can draw some insights.

Studies on other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Mounjaro, which contains the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Zepbound, also report hair loss as a side effect in approximately 4-5% of users. This suggests that hair loss may be a common side effect among this class of medications.

Another study shows that losing weight quickly, even in a healthy way, can cause temporary hair shedding called telogen effluvium. This usually happens about 3-4 months after rapid weight loss and can last up to 6 months. Not all hair that falls out is permanent hair loss.

This is likely due to the physical stress rapid weight loss places on the body, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.

Other Side Effects of Zepbound

Zepbound, like many medicines, can cause different side effects. Here are some common and serious ones that you should be aware of:

Common Side Effects:

Digestive Issues: these are the most commonly reported side effects of Zepbound and usually decrease with ongoing use. They may include:

• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Injection Site Reactions: You might notice redness, swelling, or itching where you got the shot.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired is common, especially when you start taking Zepbound.
• Hair Loss: Some people might lose hair, as mentioned earlier.
• Dizziness: You might feel dizzy, especially when standing up quickly.
• Other: Less common side effects include burping, heartburn, and low blood pressure.

Serious Side Effects:

While less frequent, some serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Serious Stomach Issues: If you have ongoing nausea, vomiting, or severe belly pain, it might be a problem with your pancreas or gallbladder.
• Kidney Issues: Signs like dehydration, changes in urination, or vision problems might mean you need to see a doctor.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Although not seen in Zepbound trials, similar medicines have caused this. If you notice new or worse mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or depression, get help right away.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions to Zepbound are rare but can be very dangerous.

Awareness of these side effects allows users to closely monitor their health and seek medical advice promptly if needed.

What to Do If You Experience Hair Loss

If you notice hair loss while taking Zepbound, it is important to take action quickly.

First, consult your provider to determine if the hair loss is related to the medication or if other factors might be contributing. They may suggest adjusting the dose, switching medications, or adding supplements to address any nutrient deficiencies.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can support hair health. Also, consider using gentle hair care products and avoid practices that may strain your hair, like excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles.

If the hair loss persists or becomes severe, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment options.

Conclusion

While Zepbound (tirzepatide) can be an effective medication for managing certain health conditions, it is not without potential side effects like hair loss. Although this side effect is relatively uncommon and usually not severe enough to stop treatment, users need to be aware and take proactive measures if they experience it.

Understanding the possible causes and maintaining overall hair health can reduce this concern. Always consult with professionals to address any side effects and ensure the best possible outcomes while using Zepbound.

FAQ

Are there ways to prevent hair loss while taking Zepbound?

Yes, there are several strategies to help prevent hair loss while taking Zepbound. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for hair health. Regular exercise and managing stress can also support overall well-being and hair retention. Using gentle hair care products and avoiding excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles may also minimize your hair strain.

How long does Zepbound cause hair loss?

Hair loss from taking Zepbound is probably temporary and is called telogen effluvium. This happens when hair follicles go into the resting phase too soon, causing hair to fall out and look thinner. This type of hair loss usually starts a few months after a trigger, like losing weight quickly. The hair shedding can go on for a few months, but hair usually grows back to normal afterward.

Does Zepbound cause depression?

The information about Zepbound and depression is still developing. Clinical trials haven’t proven that Zepbound causes depression, but some users have reported mood changes, including depression. The FDA is keeping an eye on this potential side effect for further study. Depression has been noted as a side effect with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, which includes Zepbound.

Resources

• National Institutes of Health: Telogen Effluvium: Telogen Effluvium (Hair Loss)
• Zepbound website: Zepbound (tirzepatide) Injection for Adults with Obesity or Excess Weight
• WebMD: Zepbound subcutaneous: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
• Drugs.com: Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss