NYU Langone Health Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to Increased Hair Loss Risk in Genetically Predisposed Men
A new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health indicates that men with a genetic predisposition for androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss, face an additional 7% risk of hair loss when using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These drugs are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study, published online on September 3 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, focused on the GLP1R gene, which is associated with increased levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor proteins. Researchers compared the presence of GLP1R genes with genes found in men with androgenetic alopecia, an inherited pattern baldness. While rapid weight loss has previously been cited as a cause for hair thinning among GLP-1 users, this study provides the first genetic link, suggesting a biological connection. The analysis accounted for other known risk factors for hair loss, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and lowered testosterone levels, yet the 7% increased ris... 
