"Misinformation spreads quickly, especially on social media and commonly causes unnecessary fear," says Dr. Richele Corrado, DO, an internal & obesity medicine physician at Revolution Medicine, Health & Fitness. "All medications have risks and benefits, and it is important to discuss those with a trusted clinician. Inaccurate information can prevent people from getting treatments that may significantly improve their health and quality of life."
"While the most common side effects are gastrointestinal—such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea—serious complications like pancreatitis and vision loss are much less frequent," says Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center. "To minimize risks, medications are started at a low dose and increased gradually."
GLP-1s are considered safe and effective for people who have diabetes or are obese or overweight with another specific condition. Patients can lose an average of 15% of their body weight when taking once-weekly 2.4 mg doses of semaglutide.
Still, understanding potential and less-discussed GLP-1 side effects can help you prepare physically and mentally. So, we asked physicians specializing in weight loss to discuss the strange GLP-1 side effect plaguing people months after starting. It's a hairy situation, but they offered some hopeful tips for managing the side effect if you experience it.
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The Strange GLP-1 Side Effect Plaguing Patients Months After Starting
A woman holds a wooden comb in her hands, cleans it of fallen hair after combing. The concept of head health problems, deficient conditions in the body due to stress and depression, a consequence of chemotherapy and radiation for cancer.Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images
She shares that the most likely explanation for this GLP-1 side effect is telogen effluvium, a condition that occurs when the body perceives rapid weight loss as a form of stress. As a result, the hair enters the telogen (shedding) phase.
Nutrition can play a critical role in hair loss (or maintenance). "Because these medications reduce appetite, some people may not get enough protein, iron or key vitamins needed for healthy hair growth," she explains.
Dr. Balazs notes that hair loss can occur while taking a GLP-1, but it's not inevitable. Some people won't have this side effect. Some research suggests that more rapid weight loss is more likely to trigger telogen effluvium (whether you're on a GLP-1 or not). Working closely with your care team can help you notice whether you're losing weight a bit too quickly.
Related: This Common GLP-1 Dosing Mistake Can Backfire Fast, Doctors Warn
Aim for gradual weight loss. You may go on semaglutide for weight-loss benefits, but slow and steady progress may help ward off shedding. Dr. Corrado generally aims for 0.5 to 1 pound of weight loss weekly to avoid placing additional stress on the body. "When weight loss happens too quickly, I also become concerned that patients may not be eating enough or getting adequate nutrition," she adds.Reassure yourself. Dr. Corrado says this step is important. "This is usually temporary and related to weight loss, not the medication itself," she states. "Stressing more about the hair loss is potentially going to make things worse."Optimize nutrition. Your appetite is reduced, but eating nourishing meals and snacks remains important on GLP-1s. "Make sure you’re getting enough protein and key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, B12 and zinc, since reduced appetite can lead to deficiencies that contribute to hair shedding," Dr. Corrado says.Go easy on your hair. Your hair may need a gentle touch right now. "Gentle hair care and even working with a hairstylist can help manage the appearance of thinning while the hair cycle recovers," she says.Topical intervention: "Patients may use 5% topical minoxidil once daily to accelerate the anagen re-entry phase," Dr. Balazs says.Seek professional help. Dr. Corrado suggests talking to your care team if your hair loss is significant or persistent. Your doctor or dermatologist can check for nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues or other concerns.
Dr. Balazs says it's possible to stop hair shedding by going off GLP-1. But Dr. Ali says you'll need to consider the risks of weight regain.
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Sources:
Dr. Richele Corrado, DO, an internal & obesity medicine physician at Revolution Medicine, Health & Fitness.Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical CenterDr. Peter Balazs, MD, FACOG, of Hormone and Weight Loss Doctors of NYCOnce-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM. Alopecia as an Emerging Adverse Effect Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss: A Scoping Review. Cureus.Hence then, the article about the strange glp 1 side effect plaguing patients months after starting was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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