When you’re focused on improving your health, the last thing you expect to see is more hair in your brush or shower drain. While it’s natural to worry about permanent hair loss, the good news is that hair shedding from GLP-1 medications is typically temporary and caused by metabolic changes associated with rapid weight loss—not the medication itself.
With the right care and expert medical guidance, you can maintain healthy hair while still making progress toward your fitness goals. Here is what you should know about the causes and treatments for hair shedding during weight loss.
Why Hair Shedding Can Happen During Weight Loss
One of the most common culprits of hair loss is a condition called telogen effluvium—a temporary phase where stress on the body pushes more hair follicles into “rest mode.” This can cause noticeable shedding, usually starting 2 to 4 months after triggers, such as:
- Rapid weight loss (especially more than 2 to 3 pounds per week)
- Hormonal changes as your metabolism adjusts
- Physical or emotional stress
Hair loss can also be due to nutrient gaps, including:
- Low protein intake
- Iron deficiency
- Shortfalls in zinc, vitamin D, or biotin
The reassuring news? Once your body finds its new balance, shedding typically slows down, and healthy regrowth follows.
How To Support Healthy Hair While Using GLP-1 Medications
If you’re noticing changes in your hair health, there’s a lot you can do to protect your strands and encourage regrowth. Below, we outline a step-by-step plan that moves from simple at-home habits to advanced medical options.
#1. Build a nutrient-rich, high-protein diet
Aim for lean proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, and Greek yogurt at every meal. Include iron-rich foods (e.g., spinach, red meat, lentils) and sources of zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas), vitamin D (salmon, fortified milk), and biotin (almonds, sweet potatoes) to help your hair follicles thrive.
#2. Add medical-grade supplements
Products like Nutrafol® are designed to address common shedding triggers, such as stress, inflammation, and micronutrient gaps.
#3. Maintain a steady weight loss pace
Avoid crash dieting or skipping meals. A gradual pace of 1-2 pounds per week supports proper hormone stability and helps reduce the risk of hair shedding.
#4. Keep stress in check
Stress can directly affect your hair growth cycle. Focus on getting quality sleep, daily movement, and small relaxation habits like breathing exercises, a short walk outside, or journaling.
#5. Consider IV therapy for nutritional support
IV therapy can quickly replenish vitamins and minerals that may be depleted during weight loss, supporting your hair quality, skin health, and energy levels.
#6. Explore regenerative treatments
If your shedding is more persistent or advanced, regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or exosome therapy may help stimulate the hair follicles and encourage regrowth.
#7. Choose a provider with expertise in medical weight loss
At South Bay Plastic Surgeons, we’ve been helping Torrance and South Bay patients achieve their health and aesthetic goals for over 20 years. Our team of experts creates personalized weight loss plans that prioritize your whole-body wellness, so you can achieve long-term success while managing side effects like hair shedding.
Expert-Led, Patient-Centered Care
Enrolling in a physician-supervised medical weight loss program ensures that your treatment plan is safe, balanced, and customized to your body’s needs. With expert guidance and monitoring, you can minimize risks like hair shedding, optimize your nutrition, and maintain healthy, sustainable results.
If you’re ready to begin your medically guided weight loss journey, the team at South Bay Plastic Surgeons is here to support you with comprehensive, results-driven care. Request a consultation online or call our office at (310) 784-0644 to get started.
Still exploring your options? Take our quiz to find out if medically managed weight loss is right for you.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. GLP-1 medications should only be used under the supervision of a licensed provider. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment or nutrition plan.
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