GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes…

Cohort studySkin appendage disorders· Jun 2026

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes, and Mechanisms.

Gerardo Uriel Viquez Burboa, Miguel Ángel Rafael Flores Guillén, Vania Sofia Duardo González

Hair & NailCohort studyClinical practiceQ2IF 1.5

GLP-1 receptor agonists linked to 40% higher odds of non-scarring alopecia

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes, and Mechanisms.

Gerardo Uriel Viquez Burboa … Vania Sofia Duardo González

Skin appendage disorders · Jun 2026 · Q2 in Dermatology

Background

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are among the fastest-growing pharmacological classes globally.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to estimate the pooled risk of alopecia associated with GLP-1 RA use, stratified by subtype, agent, and follow-up duration, and to synthesize mechanistic and management evidence.

Methods

Studies reporting alopecia outcomes in adult GLP-1 RA users were eligible, including cohort studies, pharmacovigilance disproportionality analyses, and case series ( n ≥ 5).

n = 1,091,743 patient

Results

GLP-1 drugs raise the odds of non-scarring hair loss

OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.48)

null 1

1.33

1.48

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

Significant associations were found for telogen effluvium (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI: 1.34-2.32) and androgenetic alopecia (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35-1.99) at 12 months; alopecia areata was not significant (aOR, 1.08; 95% CI: 0.87-1.34).

More results

Pharmacovigilance signals were highest for semaglutide (reporting ORs, 2.46; 95% CI: 2.14-2.83) and tirzepatide (reporting ORs, 1.73; 95% CI: 1.43-2.10).

Paradoxically, 58% of patients with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia showed improvement with GLP-1 RA use.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

GLP-1 RAs are associated with a significant 40% increased risk of non-scarring alopecia, driven by telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia and primarily mediated by weight loss-induced micronutrient deficiency.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry the highest pharmacovigilance burden. Dermatologists should counsel patients proactively, optimize nutrition, and avoid premature drug discontinuation.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes, and Mechanisms.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes, and Mechanisms.

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