Your hair restoration procedure will be more effective if our specialists understand the exact cause of hair loss. Your weight does not have a direct effect on hair health. However, some lifestyle changes associated with weight gain and loss ultimately affect its development. Let’s analyze in detail the connection between body weight dynamics and hair growth or loss.
How Are Weight-Related Conditions Linked to Hair Loss?
A sudden or significant change in one part of your body is likely to influence other parts. As you gain weight, you become more susceptible to other health risks that inadvertently trigger hair loss. The most common are:
- Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when your body fails to either produce enough insulin or use it effectively. This hormone is responsible for transferring sugar in the food you eat to your body cells which store or use it as energy. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in your bloodstream. If not controlled, this risky buildup can damage various organs in your body.
If damaged blood vessels can’t effectively supply oxygen to your hair follicles, it will affect their growth. Diabetes slows down your normal hair growth cycle. It also increases your likelihood of having alopecia areata. This condition causes your immune system to inexplicably attack hair follicles. The result is bald patches on your head and other body parts.
- Heart disease
Hair loss could be an indicator of heart disease. Weight gain increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. This condition hardens and narrows vessels that carry blood to your heart. Some types of heart-related medication also cause hair loss as a side effect. They include anticoagulants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure medication.
- Hormonal imbalance
Your scalp has a high concentration of male hormone receptors. High testosterone levels increase the likelihood of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. This byproduct of testosterone is the main cause of male pattern baldness for most men. Hormonal imbalance can also result in fluctuating thyroid hormone, which plays a key role in hair production. This fluctuation, as well as some medication that’s prescribed to control it, results in hair loss.
Even without directly causing hair loss, these medical conditions cause stress. Severe stress triggers three types of hair loss:
- Telogen effluvium, which forces a significant part of hair follicles into a resting phase.
- Trichotillomania. This condition creates an irresistible urge to pull out hair as a way of coping with frustrations and other negative feelings.
- Alopecia areata. It’s caused by various factors, one of which is stress.
Pro Tips for Preventing Hair Loss While Losing Weight
Hair loss during weight loss results mainly from telogen effluvium. This condition can be triggered by the emotional and physical stress associated with dieting and other weight loss techniques. The following tips will help you avoid it:
- Ensure your diet has sufficient calories. While most dieting solutions restrict calorie intake, your body needs the energy to facilitate hair growth.
- Eat enough proteins, which play a central role in hair formation. A food calculator will help you determine the exact amount you need to maintain your preferred weight and hair health.
- Integrate vegetables, whole grains, and fruits into your healthy diet. The iron in whole grains helps with hair growth, as well as zinc and various vitamins in fruits and vegetables.
- Incorporate multivitamins and other nutritional supplements into your weight loss program.
- Visit Dr. Joseph Williams for a comprehensive evaluation and tailor-made solutions. His advanced methods will ensure you receive a natural, thriving hairline while meeting your weight-loss goals.
At the Advanced Medical Hair Institute, we provide the highest quality of hair care. Our exceptionally skilled specialists, led by the experienced Dr. Joseph Williams, create customized treatment plans for each client. His technologically advanced hair restoration procedures are guaranteed to give you the most natural-looking results. Please make an appointment today for a proper diagnosis and a specialized solution.
