Gaining and losing more than weight with GLP-1s
The array of benefits from GLP-1s is something I often talk about -- and here's another one. The first clinical study testing the diabetes and weight-loss medicine semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) in folks who have obesity and alcohol use disorder shows that participants who took semaglutide reduced their average number of days of heavy drinking by 41%. They also slashed the amount of alcohol they consumed from an equivalent of 130 shots of 100% alcohol in the pre-study month to about 39 shots. Wow!
But -- and, as I also often say, there's always a but -- a negative side effect of GLP-1s has been identified. Hair loss! A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that 76% of folks report hair loss -- 35% say it's severe. The greatest shedding happens to people taking tirzepatide (Zepbound) and liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda).
Understanding how to evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of any medication or procedure can be tricky business. You want to think about the positive results of treatment -- and with GLP-1s that's far-reaching. They can help prevent life-shortening diseases or reduce your risk of bad consequences from chronic diseases you already have (obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart, liver and or kidney disease, for example)! The insult to your sense of self from hair loss, while potentially embarrassing and truly lousy, is not life-shortening. I know what I would opt for.
For help making tough decisions about your future and support as you carry them out, sign up for my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com and for AI coaching at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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