A Darlington woman has reported losing 50 percent of her hair while using the weight loss medication Mounjaro. Dara Smith, 34, began using the injections in January 2025 to manage her weight after struggling with diet and exercise. She lost approximately four stone by December 2025, reaching her goal weight.
Smith initially took a 2.5mg dose of Mounjaro, which she ordered from an online pharmacy. She reported a significant appetite reduction and a few minor side effects like occasional headaches. As she progressed, she gradually increased her dosage to 12mg, the second-highest strength available.
It was around the time she reached her goal weight that Smith noticed substantial hair thinning and shedding. She described hair accumulating on her clothes and bedding, and significant loss in the shower and while brushing her hair. "I was really upset when I realised that Mounjaro was the cause of my hair loss, as I'd had such a positive journey with the jab until that point," she stated. She had not previously encountered discussions about this side effect.
Studies suggest that users of GLP-1 agonists like Mounjaro face a 40-70 percent risk of hair loss. This is thought to be linked to a reduced intake of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc, which are vital for hair growth. Hair shedding can often become apparent a few months after starting the medication, potentially leading to a perceived disconnection from the drug's use.
In an attempt to combat the hair loss, Smith increased her protein intake to approximately 100g per day, exceeding the average recommended daily intake of 45g for adult women. She also tried supplements such as collagen and biotin, along with topical treatments like rosemary oil and pumpkin seed extract, but reported no improvement.
Smith decided to pause her Mounjaro treatment in December 2025. She noted that her hair stopped shedding immediately after discontinuing the medication. She later restarted the drug in late January of the current year, concerned about potential weight regain, and has not experienced further hair loss. Smith attributes the regrowth of about 20 percent of her lost hair to a consistent five-step hair care routine. This routine includes taking two hair growth supplements daily, consuming a scoop of collagen powder, and applying a rosemary and rice water spray to her scalp five times a week, alongside using a specialized shampoo for hair growth.
Despite the significant downside of hair loss, Smith considers her experience with Mounjaro to have been largely positive, stating it "completely changed my mindset and made me so much more confident."