Dieting can sometimes lead to an unexpected side effect: hair loss. You might notice your hair becoming dry and brittle or falling out in clumps after washing. But why does this happen when you’re trying to lose weight?
Extreme calorie restriction or excessive exercise can also lead to hair loss. When you drastically reduce your food intake, your body may lack essential nutrients needed for healthy hair growth, including protein, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals. This nutritional deficiency weakens hair follicles, causing hair to fall out more quickly.
In addition, rapid weight loss forces the body to prioritize vital organs, leaving hair undernourished. This can push hair follicles into a resting phase, resulting in telogen effluvium, in which resting hairs fall out more readily.
The good news is that diet-related hair loss is usually temporary. Once you return to a balanced diet, your hair often grows within 3 to 4 months.
However, if hair loss becomes excessive, consulting a specialist is crucial. Underlying conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, stress, or polycystic ovary syndrome may also contribute, making an accurate diagnosis essential.
If you want to lose weight without compromising your hair, ditch crash diets and choose gradual calorie reduction instead. This balanced approach allows your body to adjust naturally while keeping your hair, skin, and nails healthy.
Avoid fad diets, especially those centered around a single food group. These restrictive diets can contribute to hair loss, create nutritional imbalances, and increase mental stress. Consider including supplements like biotin, zinc, and brewer’s yeast to support hair health during weight loss.
Focus on gradual progress over at least six months for sustainable weight loss that protects your hair. A healthy target is losing 0.5 to 1 kilogram (1.1 to 2.2 pounds) per week. This steady approach promotes lasting results and reduces the risk of the yo-yo effect, where lost weight quickly returns.
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