Losing Hair After Weight Loss? Experts Explain Why

Highlights

• It is normal to lose about 50-100 hair strands per day.
• Telogen effluvium, a kind of hair loss, happens due to undernourishment.
• Protein aids hair growth by boosting keratin production in hair roots.

Many people complain of hair fall nowadays, especially after weight loss. Wonder why? An unhealthy weight loss diet is to be blamed. While formulating the diet regime, we tend to focus more on quick weight loss goals. As a result, we skip certain important food groups, creating a nutrition gap in the body.

This further affects our health, skin and, of course, hair, making them look dull, rough and undernourished. As per experts, this type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium - a temporary problem that typically occurs for about four months. Let us elucidate further. Read on.

What Causes Hair Fall?

Excess hair loss linked to undernourishment:As per the American Academy of Dermatology, it is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs per day. This is known as hair shedding. However, it becomes a major concern when hair fall exceeds a hundred. One of the many reasons, undernourishment is the main culprit for hair loss.

Lack of nutrition affects hair health:

Today, the internet is loaded with fad diet tips, which often mislead us and affect our overall health. According to Nutritionist Mohita Mascarenhas, "Most people try eating as little as possible to lose weight quickly." And hence, they cut out rice, roti, potatoes, ghee, banana etc from their diet "without even consulting a dietician." This causes nutritional deficiency, affecting our hair health.

Fad diets to be blamed:

Mohita Mascarenhas further stated that the fad diets like keto, detox, intermittent etc restrict food and calorie intake suddenly. "As a result, over a period of time, the body doesn't get enough macro and micronutrients, thereby causing hair loss," Mohita Mascerenhas stated.

Loss of protein affects keratin production:

A study, published in the journal Dermatology Practical And Conceptual, states, the nutrition gap often affects the content of the amino acid in the body. For the unversed, amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is essential for keratin production for hair growth. Hence, when you are on a low-calorie weight loss diet that doesn't contain enough protein, you may experience significant hair loss.

Restrictive diet leads to hair loss:

Another study, published in the journal Dermatological Clinics, infers that just like crash diet, restrictive diets lead to iron, zinc, protein, and essential fatty acids deficiency - all of which are linked to hair health.

How To Promote Hair Growth While On A Weight Loss Diet?

Food has the power to make or break our health; meaning, we need to focus on a healthy, nutrient-rich diet to enjoy nourished and strong hair health, while shedding some extra pounds. Here, we bring you some quick tips that you may keep handy.

Here Are 5 Diet Tips For Weight Loss And Hair Health:

1. Stay Hydrated:

It is important to drink enough water to flush out toxins from the body. This further helps promote weight loss and blood circulation, aiding strong hair health.

2. Include Protein:

Include a good amount of protein in your diet to enjoy overall health. Protein is not only great for your weight loss diet but also helps keratin production in hair roots.

3. Eat Seasonal Fruits And Vegetables:

Eat your greens - we all have grown up hearing this statement. Greens and seasonal produce are loaded with essential nutrients that help benefit overall health.

4. Avoid Quick Weight Loss:

Weight loss is a journey that takes time, patience and dedication. Quick fix for the same comes with its own share of vices. Hence, experts recommend loading up on every essential nutrient in the right amount to lose weight steadily. This will also eliminate the fear of undernourishment and weight loss.

5. Avoid Junk Food:

Excess oil, calories and trans-fats can be lethal in every possible way. When consumed frequently or in large amounts, fast food diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies that, in turn, lead to hair loss and weight gain.

Hence, we suggest keeping up a healthy diet to enjoy overall health. Make sure to consult an expert before making any change in your daily diet.