Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence, Risk, Subtypes, and
Gerardo Uriel Viquez Burboa1, Miguel Ángel Rafael Flores Guillén2, Vania Sofia Duardo González1
1Hospital General Regional No. 2, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
Introduction:
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are among the fastest-growing pharmacological classes globally. Alopecia has emerged as a clinically relevant adverse effect signal, yet pooled quantitative estimates of risk by subtype and agent are lacking. 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:
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 31, 2026, with no language restrictions. Studies reporting alopecia outcomes in adult GLP-1 RA users were eligible, including cohort studies, pharmacovigilance disproportionality analyses, and case series (n ≥ 5). Of 1,847 identified records, 17 met eligibility criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian-Laird) were performed for odds ratios (ORs) and reporting ORs (RORs). The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261335458) and PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed.
Results:
Seventeen studies encompassing 1,091,743 patient-exposures were included. The pooled OR for any non-scarring alopecia was 1.40 (95% CI: 1.33-1.48; I 2 = 0%; 3 cohort studies). 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). Pharmacovigilance signals were highest for semaglutide (ROR, 2.46; 95% CI: 2.14-2.83) and tirzepatide (ROR, 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:
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. Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry the highest pharmacovigilance burden. Dermatologists should counsel patients proactively, optimize nutrition, and avoid premature drug discontinuation.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are typically...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
