The popular weight loss injection Mounjaro, now approved for NHS use, is making waves not just for its slimming abilities but also for some concerning side effects that users might not be fully aware of. Among these is the potential for hair loss, a side effect that has come to light recently as people report losing more than just weight. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has weighed in on the issue, suggesting there are a number of reasons it could be happening, but it should be preventable if people on these drugs take some specific steps to better care for their hair.
Dr Grant said: “It’s not an extremely common side effect, there have been multiple reports of people shedding considerable amounts of hair while on the weight loss treatment. This can stem from several reasons, including rapid weight loss, which is known to trigger shedding.
“Another potential cause is nutritional deficiencies, which can quickly become apparent following shifts in appetite and general eating habits. As the treatment activates the body’s GLP-1 receptors, making us feel full, it can often lead to poor eating habits, where an individual is not obtaining the nutrients required to uphold a healthy lifestyle.
“Stress is another common factor that could lead to hair loss or minor shedding. Not only emotional stress, but also the changes in routine, bodily function, and general eating habits can impact the body. This can cause hair follicles to shed much earlier than they usually would, which could be another potential reason behind hair loss while on Mounjaro.”
Thankfully, there’s a simple fix for these issues that you can do at home without derailing your weight loss efforts. It all starts with making sure you’re getting the right nutrition, even if you’re eating less or having smaller meals.
The doctor advised: “A common mistake people make while on Mounjaro is completely abandoning the idea of a well-balanced diet. While portions may decrease due to suppressed appetite, it’s still important to prioritise the correct foods.
“Protein, biotin, and zinc remain crucial for maintaining healthy hair, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients to lower the risk of hair loss. Foods such as chicken, eggs and red meat can prove incredibly effective.”
The second step is limiting the emotional and physical stress you put your body through by prioritising sleep, exercise and eating healthy alongside good coping mechanisms. Finally, the doctor’s third recommendation is to simply treat your hair with extra care when you’re losing weight.
He explained: “If shedding begins, it’s essential to be gentle with hair to limit the volume of hair loss. This could mean avoiding tight hairstyles that put follicles at risk or reducing the use of straighteners or curlers.
“Overall, be as gentle as possible with hair and monitor hair loss closely.” If your hair loss begins to worry you, it’s advisable to consult a GP who can provide further guidance on whether it’s a side effect, other factors contributing to it and the most effective approach to minimise the loss.