The sensation of losing weight can be overwhelming, yet you might be disappointed to find extra hair on your hairbrush. You could end up with more hair on your bed, on the floor in the bathroom, or anywhere else you touch your hair. The good news is that hair shedding following weight loss is usually temporary and occurs as a result of the body’s changes that take place when weight is lost rapidly, due to dieting and a lack of nutrients.
Telogen effluvium is the condition that can be used to explain this type of hair loss, since a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time and start shedding.
Knowing that can help you prevent losing more hair while being slim and fit.
Why does hair shedding happen after weight loss?
Hair texture depends on energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
And when you do not eat enough, weight loss happens too fast, and the body will put aside hair production, resulting in hair loss.
There are numerous reasons why excessive shedding might occur in a person after losing weight.
1. Fast Weight Loss Can Place Strain on the Body
Rapid weight loss can be a physical stressor. This happens when the body detects an abnormal change in energy levels and shifts the behavior of some hair follicles from active growth to rest.
In a few months, the hair becomes noticeably discharged from the body. It’s because of this delay in events, people might not realize the fact that hair loss has taken place as a result of weight loss that was done weeks or months earlier.
Normally, weight loss achieved gradually is much easier to get accustomed to than severe calorie restriction.
2. Lack of Protein
Protein is crucial for the process of keratin formation in hair. Very low protein diets inhibit normal hair growth.
There is a problem with weight loss diets that rely heavily on food group restrictions without providing for nutritional replacements.
Incorporate protein-rich foods based on your dietary preferences, where eggs, fish, chicken, dairy, soybeans, lentils, beans, and nuts can be mentioned among them.
3. Iron Deficiency May Play A Role
Iron is a key factor in numerous processes necessary for healthy hair growth in the human body. People who have heavy bleeding during menstruation may have low iron levels, which may cause increased hair growth.
If you’re losing hair, your doctor may do blood work to check your iron levels and see if there’s another reason for the loss.
However, iron supplements should not be used without clear evidence of deficiency since excessive iron can also be harmful.
4. Restrictive Diets & Nutrient Deficiency
Weight-loss plans may unintentionally reduce the intake of some essential nutrients. Depending on the exclusion of certain food groups, there may be a lower intake of certain nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, and some other vitamins and key nutrients.
This does not necessarily mean that one has to take a variety of supplements. Instead, it makes much more sense to have a balanced diet with all nutrients present.
5. Very Low Calorie Diets May Influence Hair Growth
A major limitation in calorie intake can cause the body to become deficient in necessary energy supplies. Hair formation is not an essential function for life, which may result in the body’s decision to involuntarily hold off on hair growth.
Taking into account crash diets and fasting, their effect may cause hair loss simply as a result of inadequate nutrition.
Instead, a regular and more moderate caloric deficit would probably result in more effective weight loss.
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is one of the most frequent causes of hair loss as a result of either physical or emotional trauma.
The hair cycle consists of the phases of growth, transition, and rest. In the case of telogen effluvium, the number of hairs finishes its rest stage at a time.
The process of losing hair begins several months after the traumatic event, which could include weight loss, illness, surgery, and dietary changes.
How To Prevent Hair Loss While Losing Weight?
It is possible to lose weight whilst still enjoying good hair health. Making some dietary and lifestyle changes can lower the strain placed on your body.
Get Plenty of Protein
It is a good idea to include some protein sources in your main meals. Options include: eggs, Greek yogurt, paneer, tofu, soy, dal, beans, fish, and lean meats.
Your protein needs will differ from others depending on your weight, activity level, age, and health. A dietitian can help you find out how much protein you need.
Avoid Crash Diets
Rather than making a major cut in calories, it is better to lose weight gradually. Your diet should give your body the necessary energy and nutrients.
If you are on a program for medically supervised weight loss, you should consult your healthcare professional if you notice any hair loss.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods
Compose your meals around vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, protein sources, nuts, and seeds. Make sure you consume healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, and appropriate kinds of oil.
It is a good idea to eat a variety of foods to avoid deficiencies when you start losing.
Stay Hydrated
While dehydration alone isn’t usually the cause of hair loss, drinking an adequate amount of fluids is vital for your health. Make water your choice of drink and drink even more when you are working out or sweating profusely.
Stress Management & Sleep
Stress leads to hair shedding through its own influence. Furthermore, insomnia and stress can even worsen the impact of weight loss on the body.
Exercise and relaxation techniques; becoming fitter and losing weight.
Can Hair Grow Back After Weight Loss?
In most cases, it does because the shedding may be due to telogen effluvium, which can take place in the case of abrupt weight loss and upset.
Nevertheless, hair always grows slowly, and visible improvements in hair will not be seen immediately after hair loss stops.
Constantly changing haircare products and trying new methods of treatment is not recommended. It is better to let the body recover and concentrate on solving the problem of the nutritional and lifestyle background of hair loss. One more tip regarding gentle hair care.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Not every hair loss owing to weight loss can be attributed to telogen effluvium. Other causes of hair loss include thyroid disorder, hormonal fluctuations, some medications, scalp infection, autoimmune diseases, and hereditary baldness.
Seek medical advice if:
- Your hair loss is sudden, excessive, or enduring for several months
- You have bald spots or large areas of hair loss
- The scalp exhibits signs of itchiness, tenderness, swelling, and peeling
- You seem to be losing your hairline
- You are experiencing other symptoms like continuous fatigue, weakness, or some unusual changes in health
- You experienced the weight loss unexpectedly
- You are on a diet that is too strict
A medical professional can evaluate your past medical history, check your scalp, and find out if the results of blood tests are necessary.
The Bottom Line: Stop Worrying & Start Taking Care
Hair loss after weight loss can be scary, but in most cases it’s a natural process that comes with quick weight loss, not serious damage.
It is important to approach weight loss responsibly, making sure to eat enough protein foods and not to use extreme calorie restrictions in order to avoid deficiencies. In case of serious hair loss, it is better to seek professional help than to rely solely on supplements against hair problems. Weight loss must always support health and well-being rather than lead to deficiency and damage in the body.
FAQs
Q. Can going on a diet cause you hair loss?
Yes, rapid weight-loss diets can cause temporary hair loss.
Q. Does weight loss affect hair growth?
Yes, but this is affected by the dietary deficiency that weight loss may cause.
Q. Can a low protein diet cause hair loss?
Yes, low protein levels can affect hair growth.
Q. Is post-diet hair loss permanent?
Not usually. Hair loss from diet is typically temporary.
Q. Can an iron deficiency lead to hair loss?
Yes, low iron stores can lead to increased hair loss.
Q. What can you do to ensure your hair remains healthy while losing weight?
You should eat a healthy mix of foods containing enough protein, iron, and other important nutrients.
Q. When does hair loss start after weight loss?
It can become apparent several weeks or even months after rapid weight loss.
Q. Should you take supplements for hair loss after weight loss?
Only if tested for deficiency by a medical professional and advised to do so.
(The article is written by Deepa Sarkar, Senior Medical Writer, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Deputy Manager, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)
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