Hair loss during treatment of obesity: current state of the problem and potential solutions

Obesity and overweight are significant medical and social problems, and current approaches to their treatment, including hypocaloric diets, bariatric interventions, and pharmacotherapy, including incretin drugs (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), can be accompanied by the development of diffuse hair loss. This article, prepared following a discussion at an expert council, systematizes current data on the prevalence and clinical and morphological variants of alopecia associated with weight loss. The main pathogenic mechanisms are discussed, including metabolic stress, protein-energy malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.

Special attention is paid to the role of biotin and vitamin D in maintaining hair follicle function, as well as to risk groups for alopecia in patients undergoing treatment for obesity. Approaches to the prevention, monitoring, and comprehensive management of such patients are presented, taking into account the need to maintain adherence to the main therapy.

This article systematizes current data on the prevalence and clinical and morphological variants of alopecia associated with weight loss. It examines the main pathogenic mechanisms, including metabolic stress, protein-energy malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Special attention is paid to the role of biotin and vitamin D in maintaining hair follicle function, as well as to risk groups for alopecia in patients undergoing treatment for obesity. Approaches to prevention, monitoring, and comprehensive management of these patients are presented, taking into account the need to maintain adherence to the primary therapy.

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