Health
Hairstylists and medical expert confirm temporary hair loss affecting Ozempic users
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
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).
IS OZEMPIC RUINING YOUR TEETH? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT IMPACT ON DENTAL HEALTH
“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.
OZEMPIC, OTHER SEMAGLUTIDES LINKED TO HAIR LOSS: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
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.”
THIS DAILY BEAUTY ROUTINE COULD BE RUINING YOUR HAIR, EXPERTS WARN
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.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
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.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
“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.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Eating processed meat like ham, sausage and bacon may be linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer, according to new research.
While health organizations have already confirmed that processed meat can contribute to colon cancer, this study looked closer at cancers in the upper digestive tract, where the link has historically been less clear.
To understand these connections, researchers from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), one of the world’s largest long-term nutrition and cancer cohorts, tracked the health and diets of 450,112 people across Europe for an average of 14 years.
FREQUENT HEARTBURN MAY BE A WARNING SIGN OF A MORE DANGEROUS CONDITION, DOCTOR SAYS
The study group included 131,426 men and 318,686 women, according to the study’s press release.
During the follow-up period, 876 people developed stomach cancer and 215 people developed esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is cancer of the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.
For female participants, eating both processed meat and white meat was linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. (iStock)
Researchers tracked where the stomach cancers grew, separating them into the upper part of the stomach near the throat and the lower part of the stomach.
The researchers also sorted the tumors into two categories based on how the cancer cells appeared under a microscope: intestinal, which forms more organized structures, and diffuse, in which the cells are more scattered throughout the tissue.
BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH MAY TRAVEL TO THE GUT AND TRIGGER STOMACH CANCER, RESEARCH FINDS
After adjusting for other lifestyle factors, the researchers found that for every extra 30 grams of processed meat a person ate per day, their overall risk of stomach cancer went up by 9%. Eating that same extra 30 grams a day was also linked to a 13% higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
A standard single slice of regular deli-sliced ham or lunch meat averages around 28 grams, according to USDA data and nutritional tracking databases.
An extra 20 grams of white meat, such as chicken and turkey, was linked to a 12% higher risk of cancer in the main body of the stomach. (iStock)
An extra 20 grams of white meat, such as chicken or turkey, was linked to a 12% higher risk of cancer in the main body of the stomach, the researchers noted.
The study also revealed differences between men and women. For male participants, only processed meat showed a clear, statistically significant link to a higher risk of stomach cancer. For female participants, however, eating both processed meat and white meat was linked to an increased risk.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
These findings align with global health benchmarks, particularly those established by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The agency has long classified processed meat as a known human carcinogen, primarily due to its strong, well-documented links to colorectal cancer.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
However, health organizations have also consistently pointed to a potential, yet less definitive, relationship between these meats and cancers of the stomach.
Eating 30 grams of processed meat a day, or the equivalent to one slice of ham, was linked to a 13% higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. (iStock)
Further scientific investigation is needed to confirm the findings and to account for other underlying risk factors, such as certain stomach infections, which could interact with dietary habits.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
A key limitation of the study is its reliance on self-reported diets, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies in how participants recall their meat consumption over time, the researchers noted.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers requesting comment.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Yoga is known to boost relaxation, strength and flexibility – and now a new study has found the practice could improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
A randomized trial led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that a four-week yoga program significantly reduced insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and mood disturbances after cancer treatment.
The findings were presented last week at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
CANCER SURVIVORS MAY SEE SURPRISING BENEFITS FROM ONE SPECIFIC EXERCISE, STUDY SAYS
The study was conducted across multiple U.S. community cancer care sites, including 410 adult cancer survivors averaging 54 years of age. Around 75% were breast cancer survivors, and none of them had practiced yoga regularly within the prior three months.
A randomized trial led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that a four-week yoga program significantly reduced insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and mood disturbances in cancer survivors. (iStock)
The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Half of them received only standard survivorship care without the yoga, while the other half received standard care and were also enrolled in the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program.
As part of the YOCAS program, the survivors completed two instructor-led 75-minute yoga sessions each week, including 18 Gentle Hatha yoga and Restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness training.
EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES LINKED TO SURPRISING EFFECT ON SLEEP
Based on questionnaires completed by the patients, the survivors in the yoga group experienced “moderate-to-large” reductions in overall mood disturbance, “small-to-medium” reductions in anxiety and “medium-to-large” reductions in fatigue, the study found.
The improvements in mood and fatigue appeared to be linked to yoga’s beneficial effect on sleep quality, according to the researchers.
As part of the YOCAS program, the survivors completed two instructor-led 75-minute yoga sessions each week, including 18 Gentle Hatha yoga and Restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness training. (iStock)
“This indicates that cancer survivors have an option to alleviate these cancer-related side effects at the same time, without adding another drug,” lead investigator Yuri Choi, PhD, of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, in Rochester, New York, told Fox News Digital.
The study did not reveal any major safety concerns or serious adverse events related to the yoga practice.
“This indicates that cancer survivors have an option to alleviate these cancer-related side effects at the same time, without adding another drug.”
The study did have some limitations, chiefly that the findings are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed for a medical publication.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“The sample in our clinical trial was relatively homogeneous, with most participants being women (96%), breast cancer patients (75%), Caucasian (93%), and having some college or higher education (82%),” noted Choi.
“We are adapting our intervention to reach all cancer patients and survivors, including the creation of a mobile app to reach people in rural communities.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
The research also excluded patients with metastatic cancer (whose disease had spread to other parts of the body).
The total study was only four weeks, so more research is needed to determine long-term benefits.
If the findings are confirmed by peer-reviewed publications, this could lead to recommendations for structured yoga programs as a non-drug supportive therapy for cancer survivors, the researchers noted. (iStock)
If the findings are confirmed by peer-reviewed publications, this could lead to recommendations for structured yoga programs as a non-drug supportive therapy for cancer survivors, the researchers noted.
Some yoga studios may use different names for Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga, such as Foundations Yoga or Healing Yoga, Choi noted.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Survivors should also look for certified yoga instructors who have experience working with cancer patients/survivors or individuals with other challenging health conditions,” the researcher advised. “They should not be afraid to ask their oncology team for referrals to qualified instructors in their community.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Choi also noted that the research did not reveal whether other types of yoga, such as heated-room or rigorous-flow yoga, are safe or beneficial for cancer survivors.
The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.
-
Los Angeles, Ca10 minutes agoPolice investigate deadly stabbing in Tarzana; suspect in custody
-
Detroit, MI30 minutes agoDetroit Tigers sweep Tampa Bay Rays in win as Dillon Dingler stays hot
-
San Francisco, CA40 minutes agoRetired San Francisco firefighter dies from lung cancer after Blue Shield denies treatment claims
-
Dallas, TX45 minutes agoTrackdown: Dallas 7-Eleven robbery suspect wanted
-
Miami, FL52 minutes agoThis new Italian restaurant in Brickell only has 10 items on the menu
-
Boston, MA55 minutes agoVisiting Boston this summer? Here are 8 navigation tips you need to know.
-
Denver, CO60 minutes agoDenver-ish Central Market? RiNo food hall vendors claim they’ve been pushed out
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoNew Ben & Jerry’s location opening at Seattle waterfront’s Pier 54
