James Moorhouse
GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro and Ozempic have become incredibly popular for weight loss purposes in recent times but it's no secret that they come with a wide range of side effects.
While another drug, Wegovy, has been made available as a prescription on the NHS, there are some seriously strict criteria in order to be eligible, which has encouraged some to seek out other drugs from online pharmacies.
We've seen celebrities such as Jeremy Clarkson and Amy Schumer embrace the use of the drugs, which is primarily designed as treatment for those with type two diabetes but can also lead to rapid weight loss.
But there's also been a lot of chatter around potential side effects linked to using the drugs, including reports of people experiencing hair loss while taking Mounjaro.
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Mounjaro, also known as Tirzepatide, is a drug which is administered via injection. It works by regulating blood sugar and energy balance levels, helping to reduce appetite and prevent cravings.
It also works by activating two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP to increase the level of hormones in the body, which makes it work well for weight loss, and it is already being rolled out in phases by the NHS.
While some do struggle to keep the weight off once giving up the drug as their appetite is no longer suppressed, some cases have shown it is possible, even if it isn't a quick fix.
It seems as if some users are getting more than they bargained for when taking Mounjaro though, with several cases reported of people losing their hair.
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However, it's not actually the medication itself causing it.
While it seems relatively rare, rapid weight loss can trigger a health condition known as telogen effluvium, a scalp disorder which occurs when the body is under a lot of stress or significant changes.
If you are struggling with hair loss, then it might be a sign that you are losing weight too quickly.
When you lose a lot of weight over a short period of time, the body can also prioritise more important bodily functions like organ function, metabolism and immunity.
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Hair growth is not seen as vital function and could stop or slow down as a result of the changes to your body.
In case it wasn't clear, losing weight by suppressing your appetite can lead to some pretty serious side effects if not managed correctly.
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Other side effects previously discussed include dizziness, nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, while users have also been warned about the threat of osteoporosis.
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Speaking to LADbible group, Julia Thomson, ROS Nurse Manager and Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse, said: “It has long been recognised that extreme and rapid weight loss can impact negatively on bone and muscle mass, this is a risk regardless of the way in which weight is lost.
"We are unaware of any other mechanism (other than the weight loss) via which GLP1’s may impact negatively on bone. It is important to remember that there are also many health risks associated with obesity (including osteoporosis)."
Eli Lilly, Mounjaro's manufacturers, said: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines. "The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that hair loss is a common side effect. We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."