Q&A on the Link Between the Anti-Obesity Medication Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and Hair Loss

Source - Dailypharm

Anti-obesity medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

The anti-obesity medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is drawing significant attention ahead of its launch in Korea.

Unlike Saxenda and Wegovy, we have organized the questions people ask most often in a Q&A format, focusing on what makes it different and how the hair-loss issue compares.

Q1. If you use Mounjaro, does your hair really fall out?

A. Hair loss has been reported in some patients.

In particular, telogen effluvium (TE) can commonly occur when weight decreases rapidly.

In fact, the official Zepbound (for obesity treatment) documents record hair loss in 4–5% of cases, and it was much more common in women (7.1%) than in men (0.5%).1

Also, hair loss (alopecia) is listed as a post-marketing adverse reaction in the Mounjaro (for diabetes treatment) documents.2

Q2. Why does weight loss cause hair loss?

A. The biggest reasons are the stress and nutritional deficiency caused by rapid weight loss.

If you are lacking iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein, hair growth is affected.

In addition, weight changes can also affect hormones and thyroid function, which may worsen existing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men and women.3

Q3. How does it compare with other anti-obesity medications?

• Saxenda (liraglutide, once-daily subcutaneous injection): The official documents do not list hair-loss adverse reactions, and large-scale clinical trials have not reported a clear frequency of hair loss. However, telogen effluvium can still occur if weight loss is rapid.

• Wegovy (semaglutide, once-weekly subcutaneous injection): Hair loss is not mentioned in the official documents, but real-world patient reports and pharmacovigilance data have identified a signal for hair loss.3

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide, once-weekly subcutaneous injection): The Zepbound documents specify hair loss in 4–5%, and it is notable for being reported especially often in female patients.1

Overall, the order of hair-loss reports is Saxenda < Wegovy ≤ Mounjaro.

In particular, Mounjaro is the only drug for which the official documents specify a frequency of hair loss.

Q4. How should hair loss be managed if it occurs?

• Adjust the rate of weight loss: Aim for a gradual reduction of about 0.5–1% of body weight per week.3

• Improve nutrition: Make sure you consume enough protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D.3

• Do testing alongside treatment: Check ferritin, TSH, vitamin D, and zinc levels to identify deficiencies early.

• Combine with existing hair-loss treatments: This can be supplemented with minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride (men), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and similar options.3

Q5. Is it permanent?

A. No. In most cases, telogen effluvium recovers within 3–6 months.

So rather than becoming overly anxious, it is better to prioritize nutrition management and adjusting the rate of weight loss.

Question	Key answer
Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?	Reported in some patients; 4–5% recorded in the Zepbound documents
What is the cause?	Rapid weight loss → nutritional deficiency and hormonal changes
How does it compare with other drugs?	Saxenda

Now it is time for hair to grow, by Kim Jino.

May new hair be born.

Written by: Kim Jino of New Hair Plastic Surgery Clinic (Public Relations Director, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons / Academic Director, Korean Society for Laser, Dermatology and Hair Restoration)

References

• Eli Lilly and Company. (2024/2025). ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) Injection, US Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://pi.lilly.com/us/zepbound-uspi.pdf

• Eli Lilly and Company. (2025). MOUNJARO (tirzepatide) Label, Full Prescribing Information — Revised 05/2025. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/215866s031lbl.pdf

• Godfrey, H., Leibovit-Reiben, Z., Jedlowski, P., & Thiede, R. (2025). Alopecia associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide: a disproportionality analysis using FAERS 2022–2023. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 39(2), e153–e154. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20197

[In accordance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act, this post is written directly by a board-certified plastic surgeon for informational purposes. Hair transplantation and treatment may have side effects, and you should make a careful decision after consulting with a specialist.]