India, July 25 -- The list of potential side effects of weight loss drugs may have just gotten longer, hair loss being the latest addition. A study published in the medical journal The BMJ on Wednesday suggests that people taking GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs, commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, may be more likely to experience hair loss. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, United States, analysed health records of over 12,000 adults between 2019 and 2024. They found that people taking GLP-1 drugs had a higher chance of developing alopecia, or hair loss, than those taking SGLT-2 or DPP-4 diabetes medications. The study found the association was almost entirely with non-scarring alopecia, a form of hair loss in which hair follicles remain healthy, and regrowth is usually possible. Experts believe that rapid weight loss can temporarily disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. It may also reduce levels of nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and certain B vitamins, all of which are important for healthy hair. The findings, however, do not suggest people should stop taking GLP-1 medications. The study stressed that the overall risk is still very low, about six to seven out of every 1,000 people in a year. Researchers further suggest patients starting GLP-1 therapy should simply be aware that temporary hair shedding may occur. Doctors may also consider monitoring the nutritional status of the patients during treatment.HTC...