Doctor breaks down common side effect of using weight-loss injections

Doctor breaks down main side effect of weight-loss injections Dr Amir Khan GP

Transcript

00:00Are you on Manjaro, Ozenpik or Wegovi and suddenly finding more hair in your hairbrush

00:06or collecting little tumbleweeds in the shower drain? Don't panic. Let me explain why it happens

00:11and how you can reduce it. Now, the injections themselves aren't directly causing the hair loss.

00:18What's happening is something called telogen effluvium. Your body shifts your hair into the

00:25shedding phase because it's stressed from the rapid weight loss. Now, there are three main triggers.

00:31You've suddenly cut your calories and your body thinks, oh, I'm in starvation mode. So it prioritises

00:37essential organs, not your hair. You may not be getting enough protein. That's the second reason.

00:42Hair is made of keratin. That's a protein. So if you're not eating at least 60 to 80 grams of protein

00:48a day, your hair follicles literally slow production and your nutrition may dip. Things

00:56like iron, vitamin D, B12 and zinc often drops when people eat less. But the good news is it's temporary

01:04and you can absolutely minimise it. So here are five ways to protect your hair whilst you lose weight.

01:11Number one, don't crash diet. Aim for steady weight loss. Remember to include nutritious food,

01:17nutrient dense whole foods in your diet. Number two, hit your protein target. A minimum of one gram per

01:24kilo of your body weight. More, especially as you should be strength training whilst you're on these

01:30injections and beyond. Number three, take nutrient support. You might need extra iron and vitamin C

01:37if your iron levels are low. Plus remember vitamin D, B12 and zinc. Also look after your scalp. Gentle

01:45brushing, avoiding tight hairstyles and harsh treatments whilst it's vulnerable. And most

01:50importantly, give it time. Once your body adjusts, your hair will recover. So if you notice some

01:56shedding, don't blame the injections. Blame the metabolic shock that comes with using them.

02:01Support your body properly. Ride it out and your hair will come back. Just remember, do those things.