Zepbound is a prescription shot designed to help adults who are dealing with obesity or are overweight, especially if they have health problems tied to their weight. It works best when paired with a diet low in calories and increased physical activity.
The majority of users take Zepbound to regulate their weight, but there are concerns about its safety and potential adverse effects, especially regarding hair loss.
This article aims to explain what Zepbound is, its effects, and how we can protect our health from negative impacts, particularly with the hair loss issue.
Zepbound, an injectable medication, is designed to aid adults dealing with obesity or excess weight, especially those facing weight-related health issues. Tirzepatide-containing Zepbound helps with weight loss and maintenance when used with a diet low in calories and more exercise.
Previously approved to treat diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, it is also referred to as tirzepatide.
However, its off-label use for weight management has gained traction. With official FDA approval, individuals seeking tirzepatide for weight loss can now opt for Zepbound instead of Mounjaro.
It’s important to note that although Mounjaro is explicitly recommended for type 2 diabetes, users frequently lose weight as a result of using it. Therefore, the availability of Zepbound provides a targeted option for those aiming to shed excess weight.
Side Effects of Zepbound
Zepbound may lead to various side effects, with some being more prevalent than others. Although most of these side effects are short-lived and may last only a brief period of time, it’s crucial to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if they endure, deteriorate, or result in notable discomfort.
Zepbound may cause serious side effects, including:
- Severe digestive issues: People who take Zepbound have reported experiencing stomach issues, sometimes quite serious ones.
- Kidney Problems: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can result in dehydration, which can harm the kidneys.
- Gallbladder issues: Some Zepbound users have experienced difficulties with their gallbladder. Call your healthcare provider if you face any gallbladder issues, such as fever, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Changes in type 2 diabetic individuals’ vision: Inform your physician if your vision changes while receiving Zepbound therapy.
- Depression or suicidal thoughts: If patients feel changes in mental state, attitude, actions, emotions, or ideas, it should be noted.
These side effects only last for a few days or weeks; they are not permanent. Seeking advice from your doctors is essential if you are starting to suffer.
Read more: Does UHC Zepbound (2024)?
Does Zepbound cause hair loss?
Yes, using Zepbound and other GLP-1 medications might cause hair thinning or loss. This often happens when people lose weight quickly, which can happen with these drugs. However, if Zepbound is used properly for weight management in overweight or obese individuals, significant hair loss is unlikely.
But if Zepbound or similar drugs like Ozempic are used improperly, if weight is lost too quickly, or if someone who isn’t overweight takes them, hair loss might occur and could even be permanent. In clinical trials of Zepbound (tirzepatide), hair loss emerged as a prevalent side effect.
Approximately 4% to 5% of Zepbound users reported experiencing hair loss, compared to just 1% in the placebo group. Interestingly, females appeared to be more affected, with a hair loss occurrence rate of 7.1%, whereas males reported a rate of 0.5%.
Despite this, no participants discontinued their Zepbound treatment due to hair loss. Hair loss has been observed with these medications following rapid weight reduction, but it doesn’t seem to be a prevalent or enduring adverse reaction. Not all individuals using Zepbound will encounter hair loss.
Also Read: Does BCBS Cover ZepBound?
Why do Zepbound cause hair loss?
Specialists believe that hair loss associated with medications like Zepbound might be linked to a condition called telogen effluvium. It may not only be caused by the medication itself, but it can also be due to some disturbance in the natural cycle of hair growth.
What is telogen effluvium?
It is a condition that occurs due to excessive shedding of hair during the resting phase of hair growth, known as telogen. As part of the regular hair growth cycle, hair naturally falls out during the telogen phase, which lasts for roughly three months.
Telogen effluvium causes more hair follicles to enter the resting phase earlier than usual, resulting in hair loss. This happens due to a variety of factors, including illness, surgery, hormonal changes, extreme stress, or sudden weight loss.
What causes telogen effluvium?
Main cause behind telogen effluvium remains uncertain, but some factors most caused it.
- Severe or chronic illnesses or infections
- Significant physical injuries
- Major surgical procedures
- High fever
- Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disorders and excess androgen
- Rapid or extreme weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, or vitamin D
- Psychological or emotional stress
- Certain medications
Poor nutrition, insufficient protein or calorie intake, and sudden dietary changes can exacerbate the likelihood of hair loss associated with rapid weight reduction while using these medications.
Is hair loss with Zepbound permanent?
Hair loss, a common side effect of rapid weight loss with these medications, is usually temporary and affects less than 5% of users according to clinical findings.
It predominantly impacts scalp hair, leading to thinning rather than noticeable bald patches. While you may notice increased hair shedding during activities like shampooing or brushing, it usually doesn’t result in clumps of hair loss.
This side effect usually diminishes once your weight stabilizes, and your hair gradually regains its original thickness. While you may still observe some thinning, it may not be readily noticeable to others.
How can I prevent hair loss with Zepbound?
To prevent hair loss while using Zepbound, consider the following strategies:
- Watch What You Eat: Try to stick to a balanced diet that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Aim for foods that are loaded with iron, zinc, vitamin D, and those B vitamins.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-relief activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to minimize the impact of stress on your body.
- Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments: Minimize the use of chemical treatments, heat styling tools, and harsh hair products that can damage hair.
- Gentle Hair Care: Use a gentle, nourishing shampoo and conditioner, and avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on the hair.
If you notice hair loss while taking Zepbound, talk to your doctor who prescribed it. With a blood test, they may identify whether you are deficient in certain nutrients and, if so, adjust your dosage to slow down hair loss.
They’ll also check for any supplementary medical conditions that might be causing your hair to change, such as thyroid issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown effectiveness in promoting weight loss, awareness of potential side effects, including hair loss, is crucial. Though not everyone experiences this and it is often temporary, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers is key to managing this side effect effectively.
By doing so, individuals can ensure successful weight management while minimizing the risks and addressing any concerns during treatment. Proactive management and monitoring are essential for achieving desired health outcomes, even in the face of potential challenges like hair loss.
Reference
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information. Eli Lilly. Indianapolis, IN. Revised Nov. 2023. Accessed Nov 30, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/217806s000lbl.pdf
- Ro co (https://ro.co/weight-loss/zepbound-side-effects/)
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/ozempic-wegovy-mounjaro-cause-hair-loss-3575019/
