A recent study suggests that men who are genetically prone to male-pattern baldness may have a 7% higher risk of experiencing hair loss when taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These medications are typically used to treat type 2 diabetes or aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and blood sugar levels. Researchers from NYU Langone Health investigated the GLP1R gene, which regulates the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor proteins. They compared this gene’s activity with genetic markers linked to androgenetic alopecia, the most common inherited form of hair loss that usually affects the top and front of the scalp. Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the study found that men with androgenetic alopecia were more likely to have genetic variations that naturally increase GLP-1 receptor levels. This link remained even after researchers adjusted for other known factors that can contribute to hair loss, such as high blood pressure. They also considered other potential explanations, such as insulin resistance or low testosterone, but these did not account for the observed connection. Hair thinning has been reported by both men and women using GLP-1 drugs. Previously, scientists believed that this side effect was mainly due to rapid weight loss, which can temporarily disrupt hair growth cycles. However, many users have noticed that hair regrowth often resumes after their weight stabilizes. The new research adds to the understanding that genetics may also play a significant role in hair loss linked to these medications. The findings could help doctors identify individuals at higher risk of hair loss before prescribing GLP-1 drugs. Researchers suggest that genetic testing could be used to assess this risk, and they also envision combination therapies—such as using minoxidil, a medication known to promote hair growth—to help prevent hair loss in those who are genetically susceptible. The study used large genetic databases, including eQTLGen and the Complex Traits Genetics group, to analyze these associations. Androgenetic alopecia affects approximately half of White American men over 50 and a similar proportion of postmenopausal women. GLP-1 drugs have become increasingly popular, with surveys showing that about 12% of Americans have used them for weight loss, and one in five women aged 50 to 64 have done so. Since Ozempic, the first GLP-1 drug, was approved in 2020, prescriptions for these medications have more than tripled.