Weight loss can lead to hair loss due to several factors related to changes in diet, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. Here’s how weight loss can contribute to hair thinning or shedding:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Rapid or extreme weight loss, especially when achieved through restrictive diets, can result in a deficiency of essential nutrients necessary for hair growth, such as:

• Protein: Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein. Insufficient protein intake can cause the body to prioritize vital organs over hair growth, leading to hair thinning.
• Iron: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, as iron is essential for oxygenating hair follicles. Low iron levels can lead to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
• Zinc and Biotin: These are vital for healthy hair growth. Lack of zinc or biotin can impair hair health, causing hair to become brittle or fall out.
• Vitamins: Low levels of vitamins like Vitamin D, A, and B-complex (especially B12) can lead to hair shedding because these vitamins help regulate the hair cycle.

2. Caloric Restriction

Significant caloric restriction reduces the energy available for non-essential body functions, such as hair production. In such cases, the body goes into a survival mode, limiting energy for hair growth, which may cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase (telogen phase), leading to hair shedding.

3. Stress (Physical and Emotional)

Rapid weight loss, particularly through strict diets or exercise, can be physically stressful to the body. This stress can trigger telogen effluvium, where a higher proportion of hair follicles prematurely shift into the shedding phase. Emotional stress related to weight loss can also exacerbate this condition.

4. Hormonal Changes

Weight loss can sometimes lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly in women. For example:

• Thyroid hormones: Extreme weight changes can affect thyroid function, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism, which can cause hair loss.
• Estrogen and Androgens: Sudden changes in body fat can disrupt estrogen levels, causing hair to thin. In some cases, weight loss can lead to an increase in androgen production, contributing to hair thinning, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.

5. Crash Diets and Fad Diets

Quick-fix diets that restrict certain food groups or limit intake of important macronutrients often fail to provide the necessary building blocks for healthy hair, leading to malnutrition and hair loss. For example, low-carb diets can sometimes result in nutrient deficiencies that impact hair health.

6. Dehydration

During weight loss, some people lose water weight rapidly, leading to dehydration. Dehydration affects scalp health, making it dry, which can further cause hair to become brittle and prone to shedding.

Preventing Hair Loss During Weight Loss

To prevent or minimize hair loss during weight loss:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
• Lose weight gradually to avoid shocking the body.
• Consider supplementing with tried and test supplement like HR23+.
• Stay hydrated and avoid overly restrictive or fad diets.
• Manage stress through techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or counselling.