New Study Links GLP-1 Drugs to Nail and Hair Issues

Ozempic and Mounjaro, as many know, can come with a hefty price tag — both financially and perhaps in other ways too.

A recent study has revealed that individuals taking GLP-1 medications have a nearly 25% higher chance of facing nail disorders compared to those who don’t use these drugs.

One particularly troubling issue occurred over four times more often in those using GLP-1 medications.

The research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology indicates that 39% of GLP-1 users reported experiencing nail detachment, which is when a finger or toe nail lifts away from the nail bed. In contrast, only 9% of non-users reported this issue.

Unfortunately, once a nail is detached, it’s impossible to reattach it. It usually takes several months or even up to a year for a new one to grow back.

But wait, there’s more. About two-thirds of GLP-1 users noted at least one type of nail disorder. Nail discoloration was reported 2.7 times more frequently among those on these medications.

“Until now, nail changes associated with GLP-1 therapies had essentially been anecdotal,” remarked study author Charles Taïeb.

Do GLP-1s Cause Nail Problems?

In clinical trials, GLP-1 medications have shown potential for up to 22% weight loss, although real-world weight loss tends to hover around 2-8% in a year.

This weight reduction could lead to various nail issues, such as slower growth and brittleness, likely tied to nutritional deficiencies from reduced food intake and dehydration.

Researchers haven’t definitively concluded whether the medications themselves are responsible for the nail problems or if it’s primarily due to weight loss.

Even after adjusting for existing dermatological conditions and nutritional deficiencies, instances of nail detachment and discoloration were still two to three times more frequent among GLP-1 users.

“Our findings suggest a clear association, but they also emphasize that not everything happening during GLP-1 treatment is purely due to the treatment itself,” Taïeb added.

Nail and Hair Loss

A related study involving the same participants showed that hair loss is also markedly higher in individuals taking GLP-1 drugs.

About 50% of GLP-1 users reported unusual hair shedding, while the figure for those not using the medication was around 34%.

Additionally, a loss of volume or density was more than twice as likely in GLP-1 users, and scalp redness was observed about three times more often.

Hair loss related to GLP-1 use isn’t entirely unexpected; experts note that it’s usually temporary and often results from rapid weight changes.

However, the study authors suggest that something beyond just weight loss could be contributing to this phenomenon. They observed that hair loss often came with symptoms like itching and redness, indicating an underlying inflammatory issue.

“Scalp inflammation was more common than not, which healthcare providers do not typically check for but may be treatable,” Dr. Bruno Halioua explained. Certain shampoos and topical treatments can help alleviate scalp inflammation.

They stress that these findings should be taken as a call for awareness, not panic. While hair and nail loss may be unsightly, they are generally temporary, and the long-term health benefits of weight loss are significant.

“These changes are common, usually harmless, and shouldn’t prompt someone to halt an effective treatment on their own,” Halioua concluded. “Anyone noticing hair shedding, an itchy or red scalp, or nail changes should discuss this with their doctor instead of stopping the therapy.”