Men who are genetically predisposed to the most common form of hair loss may have an approximately 7% higher risk of hair loss when taking drugs that target GLP-1 receptors, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Researchers at NYU Langone Health reached this conclusion in a study published September 3 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
The researchers examined the GLP1R gene, which influences the number of receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. They then compared its activity with genetic characteristics of men with androgenetic alopecia — hereditary hair loss in which hair gradually becomes thinner on the top and front of the scalp.
The association remained even after the researchers accounted for other known risk factors for hair loss, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and low testosterone levels. As a result, the additional risk remained at approximately 7%.
Hair thinning and hair loss have long been reported as possible side effects of GLP-1 drugs. Until now, this effect has generally been attributed to rapid weight loss: after body weight stabilizes, hair growth often resumes within several months. The new study is the first to point to a possible genetic link between GLP-1 exposure and male pattern hair loss.
The researchers emphasize that the findings do not yet prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between these drugs and hair loss. Further research is needed to determine exactly how GLP-1 activity may affect hair follicles.
In the future, the researchers suggest that genetic testing could potentially help identify men at increased risk of hair loss during treatment with GLP-1 drugs. They also suggest that combining such therapy with hair-loss prevention treatments, such as minoxidil, could be explored, although this remains a potential area for future research.
The study was based on large genetic databases. Because the mechanisms underlying male pattern hair loss are much better understood than those of female hair loss, the researchers were only able to assess this association in men. In the future, they plan to investigate whether the same pattern also applies to women.
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