15-07-2025
Mounjaro users could lose more than weight, doctor alerts hair could be at risk
Mounjaro users could lose more than weight, doctor alerts hair could be at risk
People using Mounjaro might find themselves losing more than just weight, but it could be preventable with some key steps
Certain medications and medical devices could stop working if exposed to heat
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Mounjaro is a popular weight loss jab that has been approved for use on the NHS. While its pound-shedding powers are well-known, side effects are starting to crop up that people are less aware of.
Most recently, some people revealed the drug didn't just help them lose weight but also shed their hair.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said there's a number of reasons this could be happening, but it should be preventable if people on these medications take the right steps while losing weight.
He explained: '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.
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'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.'
Luckily, the remedy for all three of these causes can be easily done in your own home and shouldn't affect your weight loss journey. Starting with ensuring your nutrition is right even if you are eating less or smaller portions than before.
The doctor said: '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.'
Some supplements can also be helpful if you're struggling to eat all the nutrition you need. Iron, zinc, protein and biotin all support healthy hair, according to the Independent Pharmacy.
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The second step is limiting the stress your body is going through, which means prioritising sleep and some exercise as well as healthy habits like coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Finally, the doctor's third tip is to simply be a bit more careful with your locks if you're losing weight.
He said: '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 is starting to concern you, it's best to talk to a GP who can advise further on whether it's a side effect, other factors influencing it and the best way forward to reduce the loss.
