Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity management, prompting evaluation of potential adverse effects such as hair loss. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice evaluated the association between GLP-1 RA therapy and hair loss.

The analysis included studies identified through four electronic databases searched from inception through August 20, 2025. Nine interventional studies comprising seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two prospective nonrandomized interventional studies were included, with data from 4,114 GLP-1 RA users analyzed.

Findings

• GLP-1 RA users had significantly higher hair loss risk than placebo users (risk ratio [RR]: 3.252; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.437-7.358).
• The association remained significant in RCTs involving patients with overweight or obesity (RR: 3.587; 95% CI, 2.100-6.124).
• A single-arm analysis estimated the hair loss event rate during GLP-1 RA therapy at 3.9%.

These findings suggest hair loss may occur in a small proportion of patients receiving GLP-1 RA therapy. The association was observed across multiple interventional studies, including trials involving patients with overweight or obesity.