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2026, Number 1

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Dermatología Cosmética, Médica y Quirúrgica 2026; 24 (1)

GLP-1 receptor agonists and alopecia: current evidence and clinical considerations

Jiménez JJO, García HL, Corona RE

Language: Spanish
References: 36
Page: 89-98
PDF size: 321.44 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have significantly expanded their clinical use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. In parallel, cases of alopecia have been reported in patients treated with these agents, raising concerns regarding a potential causal relationship. A narrative review of the literature was conducted through searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies published between 2020 and 2026 that evaluated alopecia in patients receiving GLP-1RAs.
The available evidence suggests that alopecia associated with GLP-1RAs is uncommon and heterogeneous. Telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia are the most frequently reported patterns. Observed signals vary according to the specific molecule used, with a higher reporting of telogen effluvium in the context of rapid weight loss, particularly in highly effective therapeutic regimens.
From a pathophysiological perspective, alopecia associated with GLP-1RAs appears to be predominantly explained by indirect mechanisms related to the metabolic and nutritional context of rapid weight reduction.


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