Link between obesity and hair loss
Do obesity and hair loss go hand in hand?
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Does being obese lead to hair loss?
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But doesn't losing weight interfere with hair growth?
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Surgery, what about it?
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Takeaway
Finding the source of hair loss is a critical first step in hair restoration. Though there are many reasons why our clients lose their hair, keeping a healthy weight may lessen the likelihood and severity of hair loss. We've looked more closely at the impact of obesity on hair development as well as the impact of weight loss and surgery on hair loss. Does being obese lead to hair loss?
Does being obese lead to hair loss?
Thankfully, obesity does not directly contribute to hair loss. However, some behaviours and ways of life related to obesity have an impact on hair development. With only a few modest lifestyle adjustments, people with obesity may see an improvement in their hair growth and control hair fall!
Some exercise is beneficial!
In the contemporary world, many people lead sedentary lifestyles. It's challenging to squeeze in adequate exercise because of the demands of demanding employment and rising computer use. However, even a little exercise has a significant impact on your hair. Exercise encourages blood flow to the scalp and other limbs, which maintains the health of your hair follicles.
If you don't have enough time to work out for several hours every day, don't worry. Your health and hair growth significantly improve with little, steady changes over time. Whether it's parking in the back of the grocery store parking lot or walking to the end of the street and back after work, pick a simple activity that you can commit to every day. You can maintain healthy hair with even very slow changes, and you might start noticing good changes everywhere!
Lessen your tension
There is mounting proof that stress and obesity are related. Your entire body faces challenges as a result of persistently elevated stress levels, and hair loss may be the first outward manifestation of this stress. Even if you work in a stressful environment, you still have options. Consider including a little exercise or scheduling some downtime. Your stress hormones are reduced by practising yoga, meditation, or engaging in an enjoyable activity, and you are better able to develop coping mechanisms for even the most trying circumstances.
Hormones
Stress hormones were highlighted, but obesity also results in other hormone imbalances that trigger hair loss. Managing your body weight in tiny stages might help your hormones stay in check. Weight loss promotes healthier hair growth while balancing your hormones. This can lessen cravings, control hunger cycles, and enhance general wellness.
There is no clear link; being overweight has no effect on hair loss. It is more likely that there is an underlying cause for both your hair issues and your trouble reducing weight. Here are a few potential things to look for:
Thyroid dysfunction. Weight gain and hair loss are the two most typical signs of a thyroid that is not functioning properly. You should have your thyroid levels evaluated if you are in your thirties and are also suffering fatigue, dry skin, poor nail quality, or depression, especially if you are a woman.
Stress. Cortisol levels rise during stress. Both weight gain and (often transient) hair loss might result from this stress. Life circumstances or mental health conditions can also contribute to chronic stress (or both). Changes in lifestyle, counselling, and stress reduction techniques may all be necessary to deal with stress. We frequently have an innate sense of when we are excessively stressed out.
Too much oestrogen. Excess oestrogen contributes to both weight gain and hair loss in both men and women. This may be a sign of ovarian cysts in women, among other issues with the reproductive system. Overexposure to substances similar to oestrogen can potentially be the reason. Obesity can contribute to oestrogen overproduction, creating a vicious cycle.
Menopause. Menopause, which can begin as early as 40 years of age, results in a variety of bodily abnormalities. Reduced levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone result in overly dry hair that eventually splits and becomes brittle. And many women acquire weight as a result of this.
Decrease in testosterone. which, like an excess of oestrogen, can be brought on by obesity. This is the actual source of the widespread belief that male pattern baldness "causes" obesity. The truth is that a man has less testosterone overall, which causes DHT levels to rise. Although it doesn't actually cause baldness, it does hasten the balding that was already going to happen.
But doesn't losing weight interfere with hair growth?
Hair development is not affected by slow, steady weight loss. Hair loss, however, can occur if you lose a lot of weight quickly. Additionally, crash dieting frequently results in hair loss, particularly if you lose a lot of weight and then soon put it back on. Instead of attempting to drastically alter your lifestyle all at once, make incremental, consistent modifications to your nutrition over time. You're more likely to maintain a lower weight and you'll keep your hair.
Surgery, what about it?
Some obese patients receive surgical recommendations from doctors. You might be concerned about the impact on your hair if your doctor suggests surgery. True, hair loss may occur temporarily after major surgery as your body heals. Your hair will typically grow back as you heal, and this is natural.
Takeaway
Hair loss can occasionally result from bariatric surgery's rapid weight loss. But in the long run, a better diet promotes healthier hair growth. Your hair will typically regrow in around six months. You can also consume some hair growth supplements like hair vitamins.