The arrival of Wegovy weight loss pill on the UK high street has renewed concerns about one of its most talked-about side effects: hair shedding. But while the issue is real, expert says there are practical ways to lower the risk before it starts.
“Hair loss is one of the most common concerns I hear from people considering Wegovy,” says Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a London-based hair loss expert within Longevita’s network. “In most cases, the medication itself isn’t the cause. It’s often the combination of rapid weight loss and inadequate intake of key nutrients that triggers temporary hair shedding.”
While hair shedding cannot always be completely avoided during weight loss treatment, Dr Gizem outlines practical strategies that may help reduce the risk or lessen its severity.
1. Don't aim to lose weight too quickly
One of the biggest factors linked to hair shedding during treatment is rapid weight loss.
"When the body experiences significant weight loss over a short period, it can interpret this as physiological stress," explains Dr Gizem. "That stress can push more hair follicles into their resting phase, triggering a type of shedding known as telogen effluvium."
“This usually doesn't happen immediately, but several weeks or even months after the weight loss begins," she adds further.
Rather than chasing the fastest possible results, Dr Gizem encourages a steady, sustainable pace of weight loss to give the body time to adjust and reduce unnecessary stress on the hair cycle.
2. Don't ignore your nutrition
Reduced appetite is one of Wegovy’s intended effects, but Dr Gizem says this is also where the risk of hair shedding begins.
"When people eat much less, it's easier to miss out on the vitamins and minerals that healthy hair depends on," she explains.
Dr Gizem recommends discussing a basic blood screen with your clinician before starting treatment. "If someone is already low in nutrients that support healthy hair growth, such as iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D or zinc, these deficiencies can be identified and managed early," she says.
She also stresses the importance of avoiding self-diagnosis or taking supplements without medical advice.
3. Make Protein a Priority
Protein deserves special attention during Wegovy treatment, says Dr Gizem.
"Hair is made primarily of keratin, which is a protein. When appetite falls, protein intake often drops too, making it harder for the body to support healthy hair growth during periods of weight loss," she explains.
Dr Gizem advises prioritising protein at every meal. "The goal isn't to eat more than you need, but to make every meal count. This helps support healthy hair growth, even as your calorie intake decreases."
4. Keep your haircare routine gentle
A gentle haircare routine won’t stop shedding caused by internal changes, but it protects existing hair while new growth returns and minimises unnecessary breakage.
"People can start buying multiple products as soon as they hear hair loss can happen with weight-loss medications," explains Dr Gizem. "But expensive shampoos, oils or serums are unlikely to stop shedding caused by changes inside the body."
Her recommendation is to keep your routine simple and minimise unnecessary stress on the hair. "Avoid excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles and harsh bleaching wherever possible," she adds.
5. Don't forget physical activity
Dr Gizem says regular exercise may also support scalp health by improving blood circulation.
"It's understandable that some people feel more fatigued while adjusting to Wegovy, but staying active is still important," she explains. "Regular movement promotes healthy blood flow to the scalp, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles."
Rather than pushing yourself through intense workouts, Dr Gizem encourages sustainable forms of exercise, such as walking throughout your weight-loss journey.
When should you seek help?
For most people, the shedding is temporary and doesn’t mean the hair follicles have been permanently damaged. However, Dr Gizem says ongoing or unusual hair loss should be assessed.
“If the shedding continues for longer than six months, if you develop patches of hair loss, or if you notice scalp symptoms such as redness, pain or scaling, it’s important to seek assessment from a GP or dermatologist,” she explains.