GLP-1 medications can be life-changing for many people. They help regulate appetite, support weight management, and make it easier to feel satisfied with smaller portions. But as your body changes, you may notice other changes too, including shifts in your hair, skin, and overall appearance.
Some people on GLP-1 medications experience hair shedding, drier-looking skin, changes in skin firmness, or simply feeling like their body looks different as weight comes off. Many of these changes are not necessarily caused directly by the medication itself, as they are similar to changes seen with other forms of rapid weight loss. In some cases, they may also be related to diet, particularly low protein intake, inadequate hydration, or changes in your vitamin and mineral intake.
The good news: there are ways to support your body from the inside out while you’re on a GLP-1 journey.
Why Hair Shedding Can Happen During Weight Loss
Hair shedding during weight loss is often linked to a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a type of temporary hair shedding that can happen with any kind of physical or mental stress, including illness, surgery, childbirth, very low-calorie diets, low protein intake, or fast weight loss.
A 2024 study on telogen effluvium associated with weight loss found that shedding often appeared after an average weight loss percentage of about 15% or about 7.78 pounds (3.54 kg) per month. This study suggests that weight loss itself can be a trigger for telogen effluvium in some people.
GLP-1 medications not only support weight loss, but they also decrease overall nutrient intake. When you are eating much less, it may become harder to get enough protein, iron, zinc, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients that play a role in hair growth. A review on diet and hair loss notes that sudden weight loss and decreased protein intake are known contributors to acute telogen effluvium.
This does not mean everyone on a GLP-1 will experience hair shedding. It also does not mean the medication is “bad” for your hair. But it does mean your body may need more intentional nutrition support during periods of rapid change.
What About Skin Changes?
Skin changes during weight loss can happen for several reasons. As body fat decreases, the skin may look different because it has less underlying volume. Depending on age, genetics, sun exposure, hydration, weight history, and rate of weight loss, some people may notice changes in firmness, elasticity, or dryness.
Collagen, an important structural protein in the skin, naturally declines with age. Aging and UV exposure may also influence collagen breakdown.
When you combine natural collagen changes due to aging and lifestyle with weight loss, lower food intake, and possible dehydration, it may be helpful to focus on nutrients and habits that support skin hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health.
Protein Matters More Than Ever
Protein is one of the most important nutrients to prioritize while using a GLP-1. When appetite is low, it can be easy to eat too little overall, and protein intake may drop without you realizing it.
Protein provides amino acids, which your body uses to build and maintain tissues throughout, including muscle, hair, and skin. While protein alone will not guarantee thick hair or firm skin, chronically under-eating protein can make it harder for your body to keep up with normal maintenance and repair.
For people on GLP-1s, protein may need to be planned intentionally as the medication alters appetite. That may mean starting the day with a high-protein breakfast, adding protein to snacks, or choosing convenient options when full meals are not possible.
For example, the Vital Proteins Collagen & Protein Shake can be a helpful option for people who want an easy, ready-to-drink choice. It provides 30 grams of total protein and 10 grams of collagen peptides, with 0 grams of added sugar and no artificial colors or sweeteners.
Where Collagen Fits In
Research on collagen peptides suggests they may help support aspects of skin appearance, especially hydration and elasticity.
But when it comes to skin health, weight loss, and GLP1, it is important to keep expectations realistic. Collagen peptides are not a treatment for hair loss, loose skin, or skin aging. But they can be part of a consistent routine that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Other factors like protein, hydration, and a balanced diet play a role as well.
For a daily scoopable option that is easy to add to your routine, consider Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides Advanced, which includes collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C that support skin hydration and elasticity.
How to Support Hair and Skin While on a GLP-1
A GLP-1 routine does not have to be complicated, but it should be intentional and based on awareness of specific nutrients you might be lacking. Aim to include protein at each meal, adequate fiber, stay hydrated, and avoid extreme calorie restriction. Collagen can be an easy addition to your daily routine, whether mixed into coffee, smoothies, or oatmeal.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications can change the way you eat, the way your body loses weight, and how your hair and skin look during the process. Rapid weight loss, low protein intake, lower overall calories, and nutrient gaps may all contribute to hair shedding or changes in skin appearance.
Hair and skin changes can feel emotional, especially when they happen during a weight loss journey that already comes with a lot of body changes. But these shifts are often your body’s way of asking for more support, not a sign that you are doing something wrong.
The best approach is to support your body consistently: prioritize protein, hydrate, eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and consider supplements to fill nutrient gaps.
Whether you prefer a scoop in your morning coffee, a beauty-focused collagen powder, capsules, or a ready-to-drink protein shake, Vital Proteins® makes it simple to add collagen to your day.
References:
- Kang DH, Kwon SH, Sim WY, Lew BL. Telogen effluvium associated with weight loss: A single center retrospective study. Ann Dermatol. 2024;36(6):384-388.
- Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(1):1-10.
