The newest genetic research linking GLP-1 biology to hair loss could only be run in men, and that limitation now sits awkwardly beside the federal drug labels. In the clinical trials that supported approval of Zepbound, hair loss was reported by 7.1% of female patients compared with 0.5% of male patients, according to the tirzepatide prescribing information. Wegovy's label also lists hair loss among adverse reactions, reported by about 3% of adults taking the 2.4 mg dose compared with about 1% on placebo.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health reported that men carrying genetic variants tied to higher GLP-1 receptor activity had roughly a 7% added risk of male pattern baldness. The analysis, published online in early September in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, was restricted to men because the genetics of male hair loss are far better mapped than the female equivalent. MedicalDaily reported on that genetic finding and what it does not show when the study was released.
