Weight Loss and Hair Loss: Is There A Connection?

No good deed goes unpunished, so the saying goes. For many people, the good deed of getting in shape and losing excess weight can come with the unexpected and unwelcome punishment of hair loss. Fortunately, hair loss that is associated with weight loss is neither inevitable nor permanent.

Not All Weight Loss Is Created Equal

Putting aside gradual weight loss that comes from a healthy diet and exercise, rapid weight loss caused by illness, stress, or unhealthy crash diets is clinically associated with hair loss. Stress-induced hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium (TE), often happens in tandem with stress-induced weight loss.

But even controlled, healthy, and intentional weight loss can lead to hair loss if the modified diet adopted to shed pounds lacks the nutrients necessary to prevent hair from shedding.

Many dieters fail to get enough protein when they lose weight. This is a big problem for hair health. Protein and the amino acids they contain are essential for hair growth. But sufficient protein intake is also critical for a host of other crucial bodily functions. When the body doesn’t get enough protein, it essentially has to ration how to distribute the little it has. And it will inevitably decide to direct that protein to functions and organs far more critical to survival than hair follicles. Deprived of needed protein, hair becomes more brittle and susceptible to damage, and therefore more likely to fall out.

Make Sure Your Diet Includes Enough Protein

Losing weight and getting enough protein are not mutually exclusive. There are plenty of healthy diets that incorporate protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and beef. For those who eat a vegan diet, great plant-based sources of protein include:

  • Quinoa
  • Tofu and soy products
  • Chickpeas
  • Chia seeds
  • Lentils
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Beans

If you notice that you are losing more hair than usual while dieting, the good news is that it is usually a temporary phenomenon. By ensuring that you get the necessary nutrients that can keep your hair healthy, you can lose unwanted weight while keeping your very-much-wanted hair.

Call The Miami Hair Institute Today To Discuss Your Hair Loss Questions and Concerns

Of course, dietary improvements alone may not stop hair loss or restore your hair to the fullness it once had. At the Miami Hair Institute, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home. We can help patients suffering from hair loss through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.

To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.