Hair Loss Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist Use: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have recently gained widespread use among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity, owing to their substantial impact in lowering blood glucose levels and reducing body weight. Apart from this, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) identified several dermatological side effects, including hair loss, associated with the administration of GLP-1 RAs, prompting further research. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of hair loss related to the use of GLP-1 RAs. The search strategy utilized PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases using key terms: (("GLP-1 receptor agonist"[Mesh] OR "GLP1- receptor agonist"[tiab] OR "Glucagon-Like Peptide 1"[tiab] OR "GLP-1 agonist"[tiab] OR semaglutide[tiab] OR liraglutide[tiab] OR tirzepatide[tiab] OR exenatide[tiab] OR dulaglutide[tiab]) AND (hair loss[Mesh] OR alopecia[tiab] OR "telogen effluvium"[tiab] OR "alopecia areata"[tiab] OR hair[tiab]) ). Including all primary English studies, the hair loss outcomes associated with the use of GLP-1 RA in adults were reported without time restriction. A total of five relevant studies were included in this review, encompassing 2,905 adult patients who received subcutaneous trizepatide mainly on a weekly basis. The study yielded conflicting findings, with some indicating significant improvement and hair regrowth, while others reported hair loss as an adverse dermatological event. Further research is recommended to clarify the relationship between GLP-1 RAs and alopecia.