Hair loss after weight loss is a temporary condition that is usually caused by dietary restrictions or stress and strain on the body. Hair loss after weight loss is commonly known as telogen effluvium. This hair loss usually lasts more than 6 months and is often reversible. The most important causes of hair loss after dieting include zinc and iron deficiencies, as well as essential minerals in the body. This type of hair loss usually begins 3 to 4 months after weight loss and sometimes continues for up to 6 months.
What Causes Hair Loss After Weight Loss?
If you are reading this article, you probably want to know why we lose hair after losing weight. The truth is that this problem is usually caused by several reasons, such as nutritional deficiencies and shock to the body. Sudden weight loss and dietary restrictions cause a type of chronic hair loss that usually occurs in all parts of the hair. The following section will discuss the most important causes of hair loss due to diet.
1- Nutrient Deficiency
The main and most important reason for hair loss after weight loss is related to reduced food intake and, as a result, a deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals. Studies show that many people who experience hair loss after losing weight are iron deficient and are under severe stress. Following an improper diet and strict diets causes a deficiency of essential fatty acids, zinc, protein, and calories, all of which are effective in hair loss.
2- Protein deficiency
Protein is an essential nutrient for the body’s health and hair growth. When the body does not receive enough protein, many important body functions such as tissue repair, digestion, pH regulation, water balance and hormone production in the body encounter problems, and in this situation, hair begins to fall out. Deficiency of certain amino acids such as histidine, leucine, valine and cysteine is also one of the main reasons for hair loss due to protein deficiency.
Studies show that most people who experience hair loss after losing weight were deficient in valine and cysteine.
3- Weight Loss Surgeries
Weight loss surgery is a quick and effective way to lose weight that over time causes a deficiency of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the body. Studies show that 56 percent of people who undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery, which removes part of the stomach, experience hair loss, and this hair loss is usually more common in women.
On the other hand, most people who undergo this surgery suffer from zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and in most cases, the problem of hair loss is also resolved by compensating for these essential substances. The results of a study on 112 women who underwent gastric sleeve surgery showed that 72 percent of them experienced hair loss after surgery, and this hair loss began 3 to 4 months after surgery and lasted about 5 and a half months.
4- Restrictive diets
In some weight loss diets, a person should not use certain foods, and this causes a deficiency of some minerals in the body. Studies show that weight loss diets that require a person to consume very few calories per day are more likely to lead to hair loss.
5- Weakness of the body after illness
Many people become underweight after suffering from certain diseases and may experience hair loss after a while. If you have lost weight after a period of illness, you may notice that your hair volume has decreased. The most important diseases that cause weight loss and hair loss include infections, flu, and diseases accompanied by high fever.
6- Hormonal changes
Rapid weight loss affects the balance of hormones. Disrupting this balance directly affects the hair growth cycle and causes hair loss and thinning of the hair strands.
Is hair loss after weight loss dangerous?
Hair loss itself is not dangerous, but if the body is deficient in nutrients and vitamins, it can lead to other serious health problems. Anemia is one of the most common causes of hair loss after weight loss. If left untreated, this problem can lead to brain disorders, infertility, heart disease, depression, and a weakened immune system. Calorie restriction and protein deficiency can cause muscle dysfunction and intestinal problems, and increase the risk of heart problems.
Ways to prevent hair loss after losing weight
If you follow weight loss diets, your body may be lacking in nutrients, and this not only causes hair loss, but also exposes your body and mind to damage. To prevent hair loss and reduce the risk of serious damage to the body, it is better to take help from balanced diets for weight loss and use all the necessary nutrients in moderation.
If you do not use meat and foods rich in iron and zinc, it is better to take supplements under the supervision of a nutritionist. People who undergo weight loss surgery should also use dietary supplements for a while so that their bodies do not face nutrient deficiencies.
Methods of treating hair loss after weight loss
If you have suffered from hair loss after losing weight, before doing anything, you should have a balanced diet under the supervision of a nutritionist. Try to consume useful and essential foods every day and, if necessary, take supplements to compensate for the deficiencies in the body.
It is better to avoid following strict and restrictive diets. In addition, you can help your hair grow back by taking the help of hair strengthening solutions and shampoos.
