GLP-1 Obesity Drug Wigobi Raises Concerns Over Hair Loss Side Effects
A study has revealed that Wigobi (ingredient: Semaglutide), an obesity treatment developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, carries a 52% higher risk of hair loss side effects compared to existing appetite suppressants.
A research team led by Professor Mayar Etminan at the University of British Columbia (UBC) compared adult obese patients who were prescribed Semaglutide and the appetite suppressant Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave) in the United States from 2006 to 2020, finding that the likelihood of experiencing hair loss was greater with Wigobi. This study was published last month on the medical paper-sharing site, medRxiv.
Originally developed to promote insulin secretion for blood sugar control, Wigobi has evolved into an obesity medication after its weight loss effects were confirmed.
This medication helps prolong the feeling of fullness with smaller meals by slowing down digestion. However, the recent study suggests that Wigobi’s strong appetite suppression may lead to nutritional deficiencies, thereby increasing the risk of hair loss.
The research team analyzed that GLP-1 class drugs could disrupt the hair cycle, potentially leading to hair loss.
Rapid weight loss can induce physiological stress, disrupting the natural hair cycle, which may increase the risk of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia.
Telogen effluvium occurs when stress factors, such as rapid weight loss, interfere with the hair growth cycle. Experts advise that obese patients concerned about hair loss should reconsider the use of GLP-1 obesity drugs like Semaglutide.
Dr. Priya Zaisinga from NYU Langone Health stated, "GLP-1 obesity drugs have a significant weight loss effect, which can lead to side effects such as hair loss." She emphasized the importance of discussing safe and sustainable weight loss rates with a physician when prescribing obesity medication.
Researcher Sohdhi also underscored, "If both doctors and patients understand the drug's effects as well as the side effects, it would aid in the choice of prescription medication." However, he added that "more research is needed to clearly understand the correlation between hair loss and Semaglutide."
This study analyzed prescription data over a specific period, and it remains unclear whether hair loss symptoms would improve after discontinuing Semaglutide.
Additionally, GLP-1 class medications have shown therapeutic effects in various conditions beyond diabetes and obesity, including obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases.
However, clinical trials have also unearthed serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, muscle wasting, and suicidal thoughts. Thus, careful consideration is required when using these medications.
Image sources: Wigobi / News1, illustrative photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, correct depiction of Wigobi / goodrx
