Health
Hairstylists and medical expert confirm temporary hair loss affecting Ozempic users
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Side effects from GLP-1s can vary — but one lesser-known reported outcome of the popular weight-loss medications is hair loss or thinning.
Some hairstylists have confirmed an uptick in clients who complain about losing hair while on weight-loss journeys.
This includes Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in Westchester, New York, and Briana Delvecchio, a color specialist and hairdresser at DiMatteo’s salon. The two spoke with Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview (see the video at the top of the article).
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“There has definitely been an increase in clients coming in with hair loss,” DiMatteo said, noting that it ranges from gradual to fast, and from thinning out to completely losing hair.
Delvecchio agreed that she’s had “a few” clients come in reporting thinner and drier hair, which she suspects could be due to weight-loss drugs.
“It’s a mark of success in weight-loss management,” one expert said. “If the patient loses hair, that means they’ve lost weight rapidly.” (iStock)
The hairstylist, who herself takes a GLP-1 drug, said there may be a few reasons for hair changes — including new medications, vitamin deficiencies and weight loss, which can put stress on the body.
Becky Watt, an Ohio hairstylist with more than 20 years of experience, said she has also noticed clients losing hair while taking weight-loss drugs.
“I’ve seen thinning and shedding, and a lot of hair coming out very easily when being washed.”
“I’ve seen thinning and shedding, and a lot of hair coming out very easily when being washed,” she told Fox News Digital. “I have not noticed any bald spots.”
However, she has had some clients who are taking the medications without any hair loss, Watt added.
Medical factors
In a separate interview, Dr. Philip Rabito, an endocrinologist in New York City, explained that this reaction, called telogen effluvium, is a stress response to weight loss that affects the hair follicle.
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The response is only temporary, he noted — the hair will fall out and then grow back once the weight loss stabilizes after a few months.
“It’s a response to severe physical stress — and weight loss is considered starvation,” Rabito said. “It is the rapidity of the weight loss that correlates with the amount of hair loss.”
Telogen effluvium is a stress response to weight loss that affects the hair follicle, experts say. (iStock)
Before weight-loss drugs, traditional bariatric surgery would lead to the loss of 70% of excess body weight in about six months, Rabito shared — which was often followed by hair loss within six to nine months.
“Your body doesn’t understand that this is healthy weight loss — your body thinks it’s starving,” he reiterated. “It happens to almost everyone, to some people more than others.”
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Those who lose weight more repetitively are at higher risk of hair loss, Rabito said, as well as those who have an underlying thyroid issue or micronutrient deficiency — typically in iron, B12 or vitamin D.
These vitamin deficiencies can worsen as weight loss occurs, so it’s important to work with a medical professional to balance these levels, according to the doctor.
“It seems that my clients who say they don’t have any appetite whatsoever are the ones losing the most hair,” one hairstylist observed. (iStock)
“From what I have learned from talking to these specific clients, it seems that the clients that are still eating don’t have the hair loss,” Watt observed.
“It seems that my clients who say they don’t have any appetite whatsoever are the ones losing the most hair,” she went on. “I believe that’s possibly due to lack of nutrients and protein, although I’m no doctor.”
Tips for managing hair loss
DiMatteo and Delvecchio agreed that they “always” advise their clients to see their doctor for a vitamin level check.
“And we will also then taper their hair routine,” DiMatteo said. “Basically, less is more during hair loss.”
Ashley DiMatteo (left), owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in New York, and Briana Delvecchio (right), a hairdresser and color stylist at the salon. (Jesse Rinka Photography)
The salon owner suggests keeping up with scalp treatment, reducing the use of heat, brushing from the bottom up and avoiding going to bed with wet hair.
“Check in with your weight-loss doctor or your endocrinologist prior to coming to us to rule out iron, vitamin D or anything that you’re lacking — we need to rule that out before we can help you,” Delvecchio said.
“Then we’ll tell you we need to work on your scalp health; we’ll give you shampoo and conditioner that may be a little gentler for your hair.”
“It’s a response to severe physical stress — and weight loss is considered starvation.”
“Scalp stimulation is huge,” DiMatteo added. “Rinsing with cool water helps as well. Try not to do harsher treatments in the sense of lightening or coloring — spread it out as much as possible.”
Rabito noted that losing hair is “part of the game” — he said he always warns his patients before starting their weight-loss journey that this will most likely occur and is a “mark of success.”
Hairstylists urge clients to check vitamin levels with their healthcare provider to help determine how best to treat their hair loss. (iStock)
“They’re going to lose hair,” he said. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
“But as long as you get the vitamins controlled, get them adequately repleted — when the patient plateaus and the weight is stable for a month or two, the body doesn’t sense starvation anymore, and the body is less stressed, then the hair grows back better than ever.”
Watt said she often recommends a hair vitamin to her clients struggling with weight loss. “Diet also has a lot to do with it,” she noted.
She also recommends using a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated to resist thinning and hair loss, along with a bond-building hair product.
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DiMatteo and Delvecchio assured those who are experiencing hair loss that regrowth does take time, and that there’s no need for excessive hair growth treatments.
Delvecchio added, “The hair loss is temporary. It’s a positive stress, and it’s worth it.”
Novo Nordisk — maker of Ozempic and Wegovy — confirmed that hair loss is an identified risk for semaglutide, and is listed as a side effect in the product information. (iStock)
When previously contacted by Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk — maker of Ozempic and Wegovy — confirmed that hair loss is an identified risk for semaglutide, and is listed as a side effect in the product information.
“In clinical trials of Wegovy, hair loss was reported in 2.5% of Wegovy-treated adult patients versus 1.0% of placebo-treated adult patients,” the company spokesperson said at the time.
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“Hair loss was reported more frequently in patients with greater weight loss (≥20%), suggesting that the events of hair loss were potentially related to the magnitude of weight loss.”
“Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk,” the statement continued. “We are continuously monitoring the safety profile of our products and collaborate closely with authorities to ensure patient safety, including adequate information on hair loss.”
Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
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Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers.
That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years.
Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger.
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The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16.
Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers. (iStock)
“The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected,” lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. “This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience.”
‘LONGEVITY GENE’ MAY PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM ALZHEIMER’S BY BOOSTING DNA REPAIR, STUDY FINDS
The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers.
In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated.
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“This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes,” he said. “Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging.”
As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted.
Super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed. (iStock)
“Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes,” Verghese said.
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This study adds to growing evidence that what’s good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that “staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging.”
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment.”
“The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age,” Verghese said. “Walking is an easy step-up point because you don’t need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend.”
Any activity is beneficial if it’s done regularly and with the right intensity, he added.
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Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health.
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment,” Verghese noted.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking. (iStock)
This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day.
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“You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions,” Verghese advised. “So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise.” The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace.
“And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important.”
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Health
Dr Oz warns Medicare scammers are stealing billions — and your personal information could be next
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Washington, D.C. – Medicare fraud is a multibillion-dollar problem that government officials say threatens both taxpayer dollars and Americans’ personal identities.
In a July 6 interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that every dollar stolen through Medicare fraud is a dollar taxpayers lose – a problem that has worsened since the COVID pandemic.
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz, who is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “And just to put this in perspective, we think it’s about $100 billion a year.”
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Medicare fraud can include billing for services that were never provided, overcharging for medical equipment, using stolen patient or doctor information, or performing unnecessary procedures, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured on stage at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 2026. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
As the Trump administration ramped up efforts to combat fraud, CMS reported $41.9 billion in Medicare program integrity savings in 2025, up 59% from $26.3 billion in 2024.
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Medicare fraud not only harms the federal budget and steals from taxpayers, but exposes seniors to identity theft, unnecessary care, higher premiums and reduced access, Oz cautioned.
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Removing corruption from the healthcare system will have the greatest impact among seniors, since “so much of the fraud is perpetrated against them,” the administrator said.
“I’m talking about people tricking seniors to give up their Medicare beneficiary numbers, which is like a credit card basically,” he said. “These scammers can take those numbers and use them for all kinds of illegitimate purposes.”
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz. (Fox News Digital)
“People are stealing from you by pretending to send you drugs you don’t want, wheelchairs you don’t need, [and] services you never asked for or don’t benefit from,” Oz added.
To prevent this, he shared his top advice for seniors: Do not give your Medicare beneficiary number to anybody, do not answer questions on a phone call from an unknown person and do not give away personal information.
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“These scammers are calling seniors, tricking them, and once they have key information, they can steal it,” he said. “And I won’t know it and you won’t know it.”
“We want to protect people who need these programs the most,” Oz went on. “You do that by making sure scoundrels don’t corrupt the systems and steal money out of the till that is designed to help folks in dire straits when they’re vulnerable and in need of services.”
Seniors should never share their Medicare information with unknown people, the administrator advised. (iStock)
Removing fraud could “double the life expectancy of the trust fund that makes all this possible,” Oz predicted.
“If you’re worried about Medicare being there when you’re ready to retire in a couple decades, depending on how old you are, and you’re concerned that it might not last because of all the fraud that’s hitting it … you’ve got a good [reason to] worry,” he said.
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“If we take the fraud out, we could double the life expectancy, which means you, your kids, your kids’ kids … they could all benefit from this beautiful safety net program.”
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