The Science Progress study found semaglutide and tirzepatide showed the strongest association at higher doses used for rapid weight loss, while lower diabetes doses also carried some risk.
Research suggests appetite suppression can cause nutritional deficiencies affecting scalp health, though UCSF's Dr Paradi Mirmirani said shedding is usually temporary, reversible and manageable with counselling and balanced nutrition.
The findings add to scrutiny of widely used obesity and diabetes drugs that have helped lower obesity and cardiovascular risk, even as long-term effects, side effects and problems after stopping treatment remain under study.
Is the dramatic weight loss from GLP-1 drugs worth the risk of permanent hair thinning?
With heart health on the line, are we prepared for the lifelong side effects of GLP-1 drugs?