There are many reasons people embark on a weight reduction regime. It could be to improve physical health, perform a medical procedure, or reduce stress and depression. It could also be for the same reasons some people get a hair transplant: to feel attractive and gain confidence.
Your body image can greatly affect your self-esteem, especially if you're surrounded by people who comment on others' appearance. But even if nobody says anything, it's natural to feel self-conscious when you think you don't look good. In the same vein, it's also natural to enjoy the confidence that comes with looking good.
For many, gaining this confidence requires losing weight, but unfortunately, weight loss can sometimes lead to hair loss. It's a 'lose some, gain some' situation. While you're gaining the advantage of a healthier weight, you're losing your hand in the hair department, which can crush your 'looking good' goals and negatively impact your self-esteem.
This is why we have created this blog—so you don't lose anywhere! In this blog, we will answer the question: does weight loss cause hair loss? Then, we will discuss how that happens to make you understand your body better. You will also find out how you can prevent or stop hair loss naturally while on a weight loss journey.
Table Of Contents
- Understanding Hair Loss Due To Weight Loss: How Much Weight Loss Can Cause Hair Loss?
- How To Prevent Hair Loss Due To Weight Loss?
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Understanding Hair Loss Due To Weight Loss: How Much Weight Loss Can Cause Hair Loss?
The complex equation of Hair Loss vs Weight Loss.
So, does weight loss cause hair loss? The simple answer is yes, it happens!
The main reason behind it is your body missing out on the nutrients it needs, leading to some unintended thinning at the top. It's all about balancing the scale as well as other aspects of your health—and that includes your hair.
For instance, sudden weight loss and restrictive diets can trigger acute telogen effluvium (TE) — a condition where a person experiences sudden, extensive hair loss. TE typically shows up about 3 months after the shock to your system (like a crash diet) and sticks around for about 6 months.
Let's look in detail at how weight loss causes hair loss:
1. Crash Diets, Crashed Hair
We can see the link between crash diets and hair loss in documented research from as far back as the 1970s! Your hair needs enough nutrients to grow and sustain its health. So, when you do a crash diet, your body may miss out on several essential nutrients, which can cause hair loss.
Also Read: Amazing 7-Day Coffee Diet For Weight Loss: Tips and Benefits
2. No Protein, No Keratin, No Hair
Protein is important for our whole body and also for our hair. Ever heard of keratin? It's a type of protein and the building block that gives your hair its structure. Without enough protein, your hair's basically left hanging — literally! Protein malnutrition can lead to hair loss, so make sure your diet has enough to keep those strands thriving.
3. Rapid Weight Loss = Rapid Hair Loss
Rapid weight loss caused by any reason — medical illness, weight loss surgery, extreme diet — usually causes protein, vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, which can cause hair loss.
4. Restrictive Diets Cause Nutritional Gaps
Like crash diets, restrictive diets that ditch whole food groups can trigger hair loss. So, is your body missing out on essential nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, and essential fats? Your hair is not going to be happy about it.
Also Read: Causes Of Hair Loss After Pregnancy, Home Remedies And Nutrients To Consider For Regrowth!
How To Prevent Hair Loss Due To Weight Loss?
Lose your weight, not your hair!
Here are some ways you can stop or prevent hair loss when losing weight:
1. Eat A Balanced Diet
More often than not, hair loss during weight loss comes down to nutrient deficiencies. This is because our bodies need a range of nutrients to keep the hair healthy, and cutting calories too much can leave you missing out.
Make sure your meals are balanced with protein, iron, and healthy fats. Protein, in particular, is key for hair growth — so load up on lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts to keep your locks looking their best!
For a guided approach, consider ToneOp Fit’s Balanced Weight Loss Diet Plan.
2. Take Supplements For Hair Health
Even with a balanced diet, you might still fall short on the nutrients your hair needs. That's where supplements come in to give your locks the extra boost they need!
Vitamins like biotin, zinc and vitamin D promote hair growth and can fill in any gaps in your diet, strengthen your hair and make it less likely to break or fall out. Additionally, you may also take protein supplements, like protein powder, for a keratin boost!
You can also try ToneOp Care's Black Seed Oil Capsules for a natural boost to your hair growth and prevent hair fall! Packed with 500mg of potent black seed oil, these capsules nourish your scalp and strengthen hair follicles, promoting thicker and healthier hair.
3. Avoid Rapid Weight Loss
While fast weight loss may seem tempting, it often comes with an unexpected side effect: hair loss. When you lose weight too quickly, your body focuses on what's most important and prioritises things like hair growth.
Try to lose weight gradually — about 0.5-1 kilos per week. This steadier pace will help you maintain your results and reduce the likelihood of hair loss.
Also Read: 18 Weight Loss Mistakes To Avoid With Solutions For Sustainable Results!
4. Measure Your Calorie Intake
Avoid overly restrictive calorie-controlled diets as they can compromise your body's systems and lack the nutrients needed for healthy hair. Eating too little and overly restricting your calories can lead to hair loss. So, calculate your calorie intake for weight loss so you don’t eat too little or too much.
5. Avoid Skipping Specific Food Groups
Our bodies need all kinds of nutrients to function well, including carbohydrates and fats. Diets like the keto diet can cause a deficiency in those nutrients. So, instead of eliminating entire food groups, maintain a balanced diet with a calorie deficit with healthy amounts of essential nutrients.
6. Manage Stress
Losing weight can be stressful for some people, and this stress can take a toll on your hair. When your body’s under pressure, your strands might start to fall out! Keep calm and stay balanced to keep your hair intact! Try stress relief workouts or yoga for stress management.
7. Consider The Foods You Eat
Some foods can contribute to hair loss (including sugar and certain fats), so eat them in moderation.
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Hair loss due to weight loss can happen for a variety of reasons, with nutrient deficiencies being the biggest culprit. However, it could also be caused by underlying medical problems, so it's important not to misdiagnose hair loss as related to weight loss. Consult a qualified healthcare provider to pinpoint the cause of your hair loss and craft a personalised plan to help your hair grow back strong!
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Whether you’re losing weight through intentional diet and exercise or as a medical symptom, you have to keep it simple! Maintain a balanced diet with all the nutrients it needs, get moving with some exercise, and treat your hair to products that keep it happy and healthy. It’s all about balance—inside and out! Also, take time to pamper yourself and reduce stress. All of these things can help you (and your hair) get back to looking and feeling great!
FAQs
1. Can losing weight cause hair loss?
Yes, rapid weight loss and lack of nutrients can trigger hair loss, which is why it's important to maintain a balanced diet.
2. How long does weight loss hair last?
Hair loss due to weight loss typically begins about 3 to 4 months after the initial weight loss and can last for up to 6 months. After this period, hair growth usually returns to normal as the body adjusts to its new state.
3. How to stop hair loss due to weight loss?
To prevent weight loss due to hair loss, focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins, iron, zinc, and biotin. Include foods like eggs, nuts, and leafy greens. Stay hydrated and avoid crash diets. Use mild shampoos and avoid excessive styling.
4. Is hair loss and weight loss a sign of cancer?
Not necessarily. Hair loss and weight loss can have many causes, like stress, poor nutrition, or hormonal changes. However, unexplained and rapid symptoms may need medical evaluation for underlying issues, including cancer.
5. What could be the reason for unexplained weight loss and hair loss?
Possible reasons include thyroid issues, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, autoimmune disorders, or gastrointestinal conditions affecting absorption. It could also be linked to sudden lifestyle changes or underlying illnesses.
References
- https://wimpoleclinic.com/blog/how-to-prevent-hair-loss-during-weight-loss/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/prevent-hairfall-when-on-a-weight-loss-programme/articleshow/44801015.cms
- https://www.jagran.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty-causes-of-hair-fall-during-weight-loss-how-to-stop-hair-fall-23614227.html
- https://healthera.co.uk/conditions/hair-loss/how-to-stop-hair-loss-due-to-weight-loss/
- https://vegamour.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prevent-hair-loss-when-losing-weight?srsltid=AfmBOopUiGr3tJrLr4ZOyDuzPVHIPVB_sD_yDYJ9zFa-679aQUDBRI2u
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/weight-loss-and-hair-loss#prevention-and-treatment
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
