Hair loss from losing weight

For those people who make the fantastic life decision to get in shape and eat well, the rewards – from both a social and health perspective – are often immeasurable. However, losing weight can sometimes alter the body in a way that is not expected, nor wanted. One of the side effects that is often discussed by those exercising intensively is hair loss, but why do people experience hair loss from losing weight?

Hair loss from losing weight is a common issue. As people diet, the body can often become starved of vital nutrients and dietary supplements that are important for hair growth. Luckily, this issue can be reversed by adopting a diet that is nutritious and high in protein.

What causes hair loss from losing weight?

The majority of people who diet do so by limiting their calorific intake creating a deficit that, more often than not, leads to weight loss. While limiting calories takes a huge amount of self-discipline and self-control, enthusiasm can often be diminished when the individual notices that their hair does not look as full-bodied as it once did and has started to look thin.

This is a result of the body being starved of the necessary nutrients it needs to maintain healthy hair growth, leading to a condition known as Telogen Effluvium.

On the bright side, those who do suffer from the loss of hair whilst losing weight can rest assured that it is only a temporary issue, and is completely reversible.

How to prevent hair loss from losing weight

Limiting your calories doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to reduce your intake of vital nutrients and vitamins that the body craves. The best way to lose weight is by reducing the amount of sugar and saturated or trans-fats, creating a deficit of 500 calories a day, and eating foods that provide both energy and nutritional value.

• Ensure that you eat foods that are high in protein such as red meat. Protein is vital for the structure of hair follicles, as well as helping muscle growth.
• Healthy fats – such as unsaturated fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are an excellent way to support cell growth and keep your organs in good health. These can include eggs, spinach, citrus fruits, nuts, carrots and avocado.
• If you are trying to lose weight, ensure that you focus more on burning calories through intensive workouts rather than starving yourself. This ensures that you will grow muscle, and the more muscle you have, the faster you will burn fat.
• Make sure that you are adding zinc to your meals by eating more broccoli, spinach, figs and lean beef.
• There are plenty of supplements available if you’re worried that, despite your best efforts, your hair loss has continued, and the most important of these are multi-vitamins and biotin.
• While you can use hair loss prevention medications such as minoxidil and spironolactone, doctors believe that this is a last resort.
• Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables as these contain iron. Iron is vital for healthy hair growth.

If you are worried that you are suffering from hair loss as a result of weight loss, it is always advisable to visit your GP to discuss the options that are available to you. However, we will always be available to provide additional support and offer a number of different therapies to help you recover from hair loss due to losing weight, so please book a consultation with the Hair Growth Studio if you’d like advice from a different perspective.

Contact Us Today

That’s where we come in; if you have experienced permanent hair loss we can restore your hair safely with no surgery. Our Perm-a-graph procedure is the perfect solution so don’t hesitate to contact us for a quick, easy and confidential consultation.

Need more information?  Why not read about our hair loss treatment for men and for women.