It’s a condition that’s been around as long as humans have been hirsute, but thinning hair has been making headlines over the past year. This is in part thanks to the global increase in the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medicines, a class of drugs that includes semaglutides (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatides (Mounjaro).
Conversations about thinning hair have traditionally centred on age, hormonal changes, genetics, stress levels and lifestyle, but these days, online forums are awash with people who use GLP-1s, sharing stories about hair loss along with their weight loss.
Hair thinning and hair loss differ according to several factors, individual and environmental, and men and women experience the condition, known as alopecia, differently.
“Hair thinning tends to become more common after the age of 40, although younger individuals may also be affected due to lifestyle or medical factors,” says Dr Mohammed Zahir, specialist dermatology and cosmetology, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai. “Early signs differ by gender. In men, thinning usually starts with a receding hairline and hair loss around the crown. In women, a common indicator is the widening of the central hair part, accompanied by overall thinning, particularly on the top of the scalp.”
Semaglutides and hair loss
GLP-1s have been used since 2005 to treat type 2 diabetes, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the link between the drug and weight loss was established. In 2017, Ozempic was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, and since then, semaglutides have become household names.
The relative newness of the medication when used for weight loss means the connection between semaglutides and hair loss is so far largely anecdotal, although a new study out of Canada in March 2025, Risk of Hair Loss with Semaglutide for Weight Loss, which focused on Wegovy users, established a firmer connection.
“We adjusted for age, sex, geographic location, depression, steroid use, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and anaemia,” states the report lead by Dr Mohit Sodhi, a resident in emergency medicine at the University of British Columbia. “The incidence of hair loss was higher among the semaglutide group than the active comparator… Our results demonstrate an increased risk of hair loss with semaglutide in women.”
Little is known about why using GLP-1s can lead to hair thinning or loss, with a September 2024 study, GLP-1 agonists and hair loss: A call for further investigation noting: “Some propose potential risks such as disrupted hair growth cycles or premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA), while others suggest benefits linked to improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced scalp blood circulation. Despite these theoretical underpinnings, clinical evidence linking GLP-1 agonists to hair loss remains sparse.”
“Hair thinning can indeed occur as a side effect of GLP-1 medications, but it is typically not a direct result of the medication itself,” says Dr Dilruba Begum Mujavar Shaik, specialist dermatologist at RAK Hospital. “Instead, it is often linked to rapid weight loss associated with these treatments. This phenomenon is known as ‘telogen effluvium’, a temporary condition where hair follicles enter a resting phase due to physical stress on the body. The good news is that it’s usually temporary. Hair growth typically resumes within three to six months after the body adjusts and weight stabilises.”
Why men and women experience hair thinning differently
Hair loss or thinning is caused by an array of factors and differs by gender, with men and women experiencing hair loss in different ways.
“Men typically experience androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, which presents as receding hairlines and thinning on the crown due to genetic sensitivity to DHT [dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that plays a key role in male sexual development],” says Dr Jasmin Malek, women’s health and hormone therapy expert at Euromed Clinic Dubai.
“In women, hair thinning is more diffuse, often a general reduction in volume rather than complete bald spots. Female pattern hair loss is influenced by declining oestrogen and progesterone levels, especially around perimenopause and menopause, which disrupt the natural protection these hormones provide to hair follicles.”
Other factors include genetics, whereby thinning hair is hereditary, chemical hair treatments, environmental aspects such as infection, weather and water; underlying health conditions including anaemia, hypothyroidism and vitamin deficiency and pregnancy.
Effects of stress on hair loss
“Stress is more than just a mental burden – it has physical consequences, including on our hair,” says Dr Victoria Mountford, psychology lead and eating disorder service lead at Sage Clinics. “When we experience ongoing psychological stress, the body releases higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, often pushing more hair into the resting phase, which leads to increased shedding.”
She adds: “In fast-paced environments like the UAE, where many of us juggle demanding careers and personal responsibilities, chronic stress is a common – but often overlooked – contributor to hair issues.”
Tackling the underlying causes of stress is key to ending the cycle of stress-related hair loss, with Dr Zahir noting: "Fortunately, this type of hair loss is often temporary and reversible with proper stress management and care.”
Experts suggest relaxation techniques, a balanced diet and professional guidance as the best ways to manage stress.
“Mindful prayer or meditation, breathwork, daily movement, screen-free wind-down time, and connection all have proven stress-relieving benefits,” says Dr Mountford. “Making sure your diet includes protein, zinc and biotin will support hair health.”
‘My clients’ hair has changed with weight loss drugs’
“I have indeed noticed an increase in hair loss due to weight loss injections,” says Maria Dowling, founder of Mariadowling Salon Dubai, of her clients. “The negative impacts of these injections on hair can vary between clients. I have two clients who had really curly hair, and as a result of the jabs, their hair has lost the curl pattern and instead is now frizzy. In other instances, clients have simply lost hair.”
Medically, hair loss is treated with oral or topical medications, hormonal therapy, dietary changes and environmental adjustments.
Dr Malek says: “The best approach is multifactorial and tailored to the individual. In menopausal women, restoring hormonal balance with BHRT can reduce shedding and promote regrowth. Nutritional support such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D and amino acids like L-lysine are all crucial for hair structure and cycling. Advanced regenerative options include PRP, Exosomes, and Regenera Activa – minimally invasive treatments now gaining popularity for restoring scalp health.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Zakat definitions
Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.
Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.
Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.
Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.
The five pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The years Ramadan fell in May
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
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