For many people, losing weight is a good thing. It means maintaining a healthy body weight and potentially reducing numerous risk factors for health and wellness. But, can it have negative side effect? In some cases, weight loss can lead to hair loss. If you are like many people, you want to know how to get the best benefit – a proper weight and the right level of beautiful hair. What is the connection and is there anything you can do about losing hair when you are trying to lose weight at the same time?

What Causes Hair Loss?

Many things can cause hair loss in people. This hair loss can come from illness or it may come from the medications you are taking. Some people simply see thinning hair as they get older due at least in part to hereditary factors. But, in some cases, these are not the reason you are losing hair when you are losing weight. If you and your doctor have ruled out other causes of thinning hair, it may be important to take a closer look at your weight loss and how you are doing it.

In some situations, strict dietary changes can lead to limitations on what you are consuming. A well balanced diet, one that has plenty of nutrients of all varieties, balanced carbs, proteins, and oils are all important. However, many people embark on diets that are very strict. They may cut out whole food groups or limit the foods they are eating significantly. If you are not getting enough of the right nutrients or you are not getting enough food itself, this can lead to weight loss but it will also include hair loss and, for many people, it may lead to other complications and limitations as well.

Why does your weight loss seem to be linked to hair loss? In short, you could be malnourished. If your diet does not include the right balance of vitamins and minerals, this will directly impact the overall health of your hair. For example, some fad diets may limit the amount of fruit you consume. But, we know that Vitamin C for example, is very important to hair growth and development. If you are removing all of your sources for a vitamin like this, your hair is not going to get the level of nutrients it needs. And, it cannot grow.

Which Diets Are Worrisome to Your Hair?

It is important to consider the overall implications that all types of very strict diets can cause. For example, Atkins and South Beach Diet limit nearly all carbohydrates from your diet. These diets are high in protein and fats, in some cases, but they may strip out many of the sources of nutrients that your body needs including healthy carbs and fruits. This is going to cause limitations on the way and amount of hair your body produces. These and other food-group-limiting diets should not be something you choose whenever possible.

Too Fast?

Also a problem with hair loss and dieting has to do with how fast you are losing your weight. If you lose weight rapidly, this will cause your hair to be lost at a rapid rate as well. In some cases, significant weight loss at a rapid pace can lead to complications with health and even the exaggeration of speed-up of hereditary factors. In other words, if you were likely to develop some hair loss due to hereditary concerns later in life, this may be sped up now during your rapid weight loss.

What should you do then if you want to lose weight and you don’t want to lose your hair? Your hair (and your overall health) depends on the quality and quantity of nutrients that your body gets on a regular basis. Choose a diet that focuses on safe levels of weight loss without cutting out whole food groups. And, you’ll want nutrient rich foods whenever possible. Look for a rainbow of colors in your diet and a variety of foods. This will translate into a better diet for you to follow for health reasons as well as improvement in any hair loss you’ve suffered. 

If you are experiencing hair loss due to weight loss, schedule a free private evaluation at Unique Hair Concepts to learn about hair loss prevention treatments.