Introduction
Some people who successfully lose weight often ask, weight loss and hair loss, do both have any link? Can weight loss cause hair loss? If you are asking any of these questions, it means you have succeeded to achieve your desired weight loss.
Yes, it is common to experience hair loss from weight loss. Researchers named this type of hair loss “Telogen Effluvium”. People who lose weight drastically usually notice this hair loss after 3 to 4 months. Hair loss following weight loss typically lasts about 6 to 9 months. So it is not a permanent situation. In this article, we will explain why this happens, how it occurs, and the things you should do to prevent it.
Understanding the Link Between Hair Loss and Weight Loss
Following rapid weight loss, it is common to notice hair loss. Does rapid weight loss cause hair loss? Yes. Drastic weight loss typically causes hair loss. This is mostly a result of nutrient deficiency and other impacts that weight loss has on the body. During the weight loss journey, most people often observe restrictive diets or even starve in order to attain caloric deficit. Several studies have long proven that hair loss can be caused by observing a restrictive diet. According to scientific findings, hair growth is sustained by nutrients. However, those on a weight loss journey through crash dieting often lose these essential nutrients. The resultant effect is that hairs start falling off from the body because they no longer have the support they previously enjoyed.
Human hair is made up of a structural protein from the family called Keratin. This keratin protein that makes up the human hair comprises several amino acids. Meaning protein is the building block and support system of the human hair. However, people experience serious protein malnutrition following drastic weight loss. Their bodies no longer have enough proteins to support all the systems that need them. For that reason, your body will prioritize where it supplies the little available protein. So it withdraws from supplying the hair and provides support for essential functions to keep you alive: hormone production, tissue repairs, water and pH regulation, and digestion.
Surgical procedures to lose weight (such as sleeve gastrectomy), have also been found to cause hair loss. During such surgeries, a large portion of the stomach is removed and some part of the small intestine is bypassed. This is done to reduce the stomach’s size so that the person will experience fullness after a little meal and limit absorption by some areas of the small intestine; thus leading to caloric deficit. It has been observed that people who undergo this procedure often have deficiencies in nutrients such as; protein, zinc, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals. All these are nutrients needed to support and maintain hair on the body. The absence of these minerals after surgery usually results in massive hair loss.
People usually experience serious stress during their weight loss journey. Often, they over exercise without having adequate rest and sleep. Researchers discovered that such stress and weight loss triggers the release of stress hormones which hinders stem cells that help the hair to grow.
From these explanations, you can see the connection between weight loss and hair loss. Common triggers or risk factors for hair loss during weight loss are nutritional deficiencies, low caloric intake, and rapid weight loss.
Does Hair Loss Caused by Weight Loss Grow Back?
If you are experiencing hair loss during your weight loss journey, it is typical to have this fear of whether it will grow back or not. At Zappy Health, we guide our clients through the recovery phase until their hair regrows. Depending on how you approach the process, you can halt your hair loss and reverse it. Hair loss when losing weight usually lasts for about 6 to 9 months. The most hair loss is usually observed at about 3 months following weight loss. Your body will start readjusting after this time. But how quickly your body readjusts will depend on your approach to solving the underlying cause.
From the previous section, you noticed that the major cause of hair loss from weight loss is nutritional deficiency. Avoid starving or restricting your diet to sustain weight loss. We always recommend that you eat a balanced diet during weight loss. Doing so provides you with enough nutrients to support hair growth and other essential systems. Once you start and continue taking balanced diets, your hair will regrow between the period of 3 to 6 months. If necessary, your doctor can recommend multivitamins to supplement what you have from your diet. It is also essential to reduce your stress levels by having proper rest and adequate sleep. Studies show that doing so will help you have a quicker recovery.
How To Prevent and Manage Hair Loss During Weight Loss
If you are yet to have hair loss from weight loss, we will provide you with actionable tips to prevent it from happening. The same tips are very useful for those who have already experienced hair loss during their weight loss journey.
Below are tips on how to stop hair loss due to weight loss;
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Balanced Diet For Hair Health
The benefits of eating balanced diets during your weight loss journey can not be overemphasized. Apart from providing you with enough energy necessary for weight loss, it offers support for essential systems and your body’s aesthetics. Your skin glows and your hair flourishes when you eat a balanced diet. It is a myth that having a balanced diet will prevent you from achieving weight loss. Experts can show you techniques to having a balanced diet and still get caloric deficits which are necessary for weight loss. Ensure that your diets contain adequate proteins, vitamins (such as biotin) and minerals (especially zinc), if you want to prevent or manage hair loss during weight loss.
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Supplementation for Hair and Scalp Health
Since hair loss from weight loss is mostly as a result of nutritional deficiencies, supplementing these nutrients will help you regrow your hair. Simply put; replace the lost nutrients and grow back your hair. Several supplements can help you to regrow your hair. Some of them include protein supplements, collagen supplements, zinc, Omega 3 fatty acid, selenium, biotin, iron, vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B Complex. Based on your age, weight, and clinical state, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage you should take. These supplements will help replace lost nutrients during weight loss and prevent hair loss or aid in the hair-regrowing process.
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Stress Management Techniques
Since it has been proven that excessive stress (following weight loss) releases stress hormones that prevent the growth of stem cells necessary for hair growth, proper stress management will help reverse hair loss. We advise that you engage in stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, stretching, deep breathing, hiking, swimming, gratitude, social support, taking a walk, avoiding stressors, etc. Incorporate these stress relieving activities into your lifestyle so you can manage the stress in the long term and prevent hair loss or support hair growth.
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Avoid Extreme Diets
Some people go on crash diets such as detox diets, very low calorie diets, low fat diets, or low carbs diets in a bid to burn fat. At Zappy Health, we do not encourage you to go on these extreme diets. Doing so is detrimental to your health. Additionally, it will result in a massive hair loss. So if you want to prevent hair loss during weight loss, avoid all these extreme dietary plans.
Exploring Treatment Options for Hair Loss After Weight Loss
If you have persistent hair loss from weight loss, you can consult a physician who will assess you and prescribe medications to assist with your hair growth. Some of these hair growth drugs are available as topicals (for example topical minoxidil), orals (minoxidil, finasteride, spironolactone, etc), and shampoos. Please avoid using these medications without getting professional advice from a doctor.
Final Thoughts: Maintaining Hair Health While Losing Weight
Weight loss is a long-term process that you should employ a gradual approach. Avoid drastic and extreme methods that can be detrimental to your system and health. Use a holistic approach that includes a balanced plan to achieve weight loss while staying healthy at the same time. Doing so will help you prevent hair loss during weight loss. Always speak with a physician before taking drugs or supplements for hair growth after weight loss.
Frequently Asked Question
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How Much Weight Loss Causes Hair Loss
If you lose a few pounds of weight, you will not experience hair loss. Hair loss will only happen when the weight loss is very fast and severe. So hair loss from weight has to do with two things; the large amount of weight loss occurring within a short time. Massive weight loss that is spread over a very long time will not likely cause hair loss.
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What is the Best Hair Loss Treatment
One of the best and most common drugs used for hair loss treatment is Minoxidil. It is sold in the form of topical liquids, foams, and shampoos. Topical minoxidil is an over the counter medication. However, it would be best to let your physicians know the medications you are using so that they can advise accordingly.
