A study published in The BMJ has found that GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with a higher relative risk of hair loss in adults with type 2 diabetes. According to Dr Marie Spreckley, a Weight Management Researcher at the University of Cambridge, the study used a target trial emulation approach to examine the link between GLP-1 use and hair loss. The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a higher relative risk of clinically recorded non-scarring hair loss than two alternative classes of diabetes medication.
However, the absolute risk of hair loss remained low, at 6.91 cases per 1,000 person-years among GLP-1 receptor agonist users. This is compared to 5.04 and 3.89 cases per 1,000 person-years in the comparator groups. Dr Spreckley notes that this means around two to three additional clinically recorded cases of hair loss per 1,000 person-years of treatment compared with the alternative diabetes medications.
The study's findings highlight the need for clinicians and patients to be aware of this potential adverse effect. However, Dr Spreckley stresses that the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for improving glycaemic control, reducing body weight, and lowering the risk of obesity-related complications are likely to outweigh this relatively small potential risk. She notes that rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc deficiency, may also contribute to hair loss, although this study was not designed to distinguish between these potential mechanisms or determine whether hair loss resolves after treatment.
Peer-reviewed by The BMJ, the study provides important evidence for clinicians and patients to consider when weighing the benefits and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonist use. The study's findings are in line with existing research on the potential adverse effects of these medicines.