In the modern world, the notion of losing weight is commonly interpreted as an indication of self-care, discipline and growth. Since new diet trends for weight loss are being introduced regularly, a lot of users seek solutions with promises of quick outcomes. There’s an additional negative side effect to rapid weight loss that few individuals discuss: losing hair. If you’ve ever shed an enormous amount of weight over just a few days, you may have seen hair loss or areas of hair loss.
The relationship between fast weight loss and loss of hair isn’t a fable. It’s a real and scientifically backed phenomenon that affects many individuals. Understanding the reasons for this and knowing the best way to handle it could be the key to keeping your health in check and your self-confidence during the weight loss process.
Let’s explore this complicated subject and find out how quickly weight loss can cause hair loss, what triggers it and the steps you can take to reduce or avoid it.
What Exactly Is Rapid Weight Loss?
Before getting deep into the details of hair loss, we must first define what is meant when we refer to “rapid weight loss.” It is generally believed that losing more than 1 to 2 pounds every week is considered fast weight loss. The reason for this could be many reasons, including strict diets, severe calorie deficits, or other diseases that can affect metabolism.
Weight loss that is rapid can be attained through:
- Crash diets are Diets with very low calories or diets that promise to aid individuals in losing weight fast.
- Exercise regimens that are intense and involve exercising excessively for the shortest time frame in order to shed fat rapidly.
- medical interventions, procedures like weight loss surgery, or medicines that can result in rapid weight reduction.
Though these strategies can produce immediate effects on the scales, the effect on the body isn’t necessarily as simple. One of the most concerning adverse effects is hair loss.
How Does Rapid Weight Loss Lead to Hair Loss?
The relationship between loss of weight and loss of hair is in the way our bodies react to stress. Loss of hair in this instance usually relates to a disorder known as Telogen effluvium.
Telogen Effluvium: The Hair Loss Trigger
Telogen effluvium refers to a situation that causes an increase in the number of hair follicles to enter the resting stage of the hair growth cycle early. Normally, hair is in the growing phase (anagen), an inactive phase (telogen), and an exogen stage (exogen). If there is a disruption to this process, for example, significant stress or trauma, the hair will enter the phase of shedding.
A rapid weight loss can be described as one of the signs of physical stress, which the body responds to by placing hair follicles in a period of rest. So, within a couple of months of losing weight, you could begin to notice more hair falling than normal.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A third major factor that contributes to hair loss with fast weight loss is a lack of nutrition. An abrupt decrease in the caloric intake can lead to an absence of the essential nutrients that are required to sustain good hair growth. Examples include deficiencies in zinc, iron, biotin, vitamin D and protein, which are typical among those who follow a strict diet or significantly decrease their consumption of food.
Hair is made primarily of keratin, which is a form of protein. When the body isn’t getting sufficient nutrients, it’s unable to create healthy hair. The hair will be weak and fragile, and eventually, it will fall out much more easily.
Hormonal Changes
The loss of weight can affect the hormone levels within your body. This, in turn, can affect the growth of hair. An abrupt loss in body fat could trigger fluctuations in the levels of estrogen, which are vital for the healthy growth of hair. If estrogen levels decrease, the hair may become less brittle or more susceptible to falling out.
Similar to stress, the rapid loss of weight can cause an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone) that can interfere with hair growth cycles and encourage the loss of hair.
Medical Conditions and Medications
In certain instances, the rapid weight loss may be a result of medical issues or side effects of medication that can result in the loss of hair. Thyroid disorders and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as anorexia, could cause massive weight loss followed by thinned hair.
In addition, some medications for weight loss could have adverse effects on the health of your hair. Be sure to check with a healthcare practitioner if using medication for weight loss or going through medical treatments to make sure they aren’t contributing to the loss of your hair.
How Long After Rapid Weight Loss Does Hair Loss Occur?
Loss of hair due to fast weight loss does not usually occur quickly. It typically begins to be evident within 2 to 3 months of the trigger event (such as extreme weight loss). The reason for this delay is that the time it takes for hair follicles’ hair to transition from the growth phase to the shedding.
In some people, the hair loss could be only intermittent and fade away when the body has stabilized following a period of weight loss. But for others in particular, if the weight loss was long-lasting or was accompanied by serious nutritional deficiency or nutritional deficiencies, hair loss may continue for longer.
Real-World Examples of Hair Loss After Rapid Weight Loss
Consider the story of Sarah, a 32-year-old woman who embarked on a 1,200-calorie-per-day crash diet in an effort to lose 30 pounds quickly. Sarah saw results at the scales, but after about a month, Sarah noticed increased hair on her brush and on the drain of her shower. In consultation with a dermatologist, she discovered that the weight loss and the deficiency of vitamins essential to life had caused an increase in telogen effluvium.
Sarah was not alone. Many people have shared similar experiences following an extreme weight loss. A study that was published by The Journal of Dermatology found that over 40% of those who experienced weight loss of significant magnitude were affected by some kind of hair loss.
How to Prevent Hair Loss During Weight Loss
If you’re serious about losing weight, but you want to stay clear of the unwelcome side effect that comes with the loss of hair in your body, there are many methods you can employ to reduce the chance of losing hair.
1. Aim for Gradual Weight Loss
Instead of focusing on an instant fix, focus on steady and slow loss of weight. The loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week is usually considered sustainable and healthy. The method allows your body to adapt to these changes without causing unnecessary stress, thus reducing the chance of losing hair.
2. Prioritize Balanced Nutrition
Make sure that your food is high in vital nutrition. A healthy diet that incorporates various whole foods, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, as well as entire grains, will assist in the prevention of nutrient deficiencies. Be sure to pay attention to the minerals and vitamins that help support the health of your hair, such as biotin, zinc, iron and vitamin D.
3. Manage Stress
Because stress is a trigger for hair loss, you should consider adding stress-reducing techniques to your daily routine. Yoga, meditation, along with deep breathing and regular exercise, can help keep your stress levels under control, which in turn helps protect your hair from excessive loss.
4. Consider Supplements
If you’re worried about nutrition deficiencies in your diet, you should consult a healthcare specialist about taking supplements. Numerous people gain from taking biotin supplements and iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. They will aid in hair growth and overall health.
5. Stay Hydrated
Consuming sufficient water is crucial for general health and the health of your hair. A healthy diet ensures that your body will be able to transport the nutrients into your hair follicles to encourage growth, as well as preventing hair from becoming dry and brittle.
6. Get Regular Check-Ups
If you’re experiencing weight loss due to an illness or treatment you are receiving, make sure that you’re in touch with your physician. They will be able to monitor your health and make sure that the weight loss doesn’t affect your body or hair.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the loss of your hair persists or gets worse despite all your attempts, it might be time to speak with a dermatologist or healthcare professional. Sometimes the loss of hair may be a sign of some underlying issue that requires medical attention. A doctor can determine the reason for the loss of your hair and suggest suitable solutions, such as medication or specific hair restoration treatment.
Conclusion
If you aim for moderate weight loss, following the right balance of diet and exercise, controlling stress and staying hydrated, you will lower the chance of hair loss, and also ensure that your journey to lose weight can be as safe and long-lasting as is possible.
Keep in mind that losing weight is an individual process, so it’s crucial to consider your health as a priority. If you begin to observe excessive hair loss, don’t be concerned; there are ways to regain your hair’s well-being and keep moving toward your objectives. Be sure to take the time to take care of yourself, as it’ll take good care of your hair.
Do you want to begin your weight loss journey in the best way? Make sure to seek out a healthcare expert for advice regarding how you can lose weight in a healthy way and prevent adverse effects, such as hair loss.
Read also: Can Fibroids Cause Weight Loss?
To learn more about the effects of weight loss on overall well-being, take a look at the resources such as the National Institutes of Health as well as the Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Lifestyle.
