How Obesity Is Linked to Hair Loss

Being obese can be devastating for your self-esteem and make you more likely to develop health issues. However, you may not realize that obesity is also linked with hair loss, which is medically known as androgenic alopecia. Here’s what you need to know about how obesity can lead to hair loss, along with how even weight loss and surgery can also be factors in hair thinning.

A Sedentary Lifestyle Can Result in Poor Blood Circulation

Obesity and lack of physical activity go hand in hand. As a result, their peripheral blood circulation is compromised. Because of poor peripheral blood circulation, their organs and extremities, which includes the hair follicles, don't receive the nourishment they need. In other words, when the scalp skin fails to receive a sufficient supply of blood, the hair follicles can weaken, which leads to hair loss.

Medications for Obesity-Linked Health Problems Can Create Hair Loss 

Because obesity can cause a wide range of health issues, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high blood cholesterol and other conditions, people often have to take prescription medications. These medications may cause hair loss. In addition, being obese can make it more likely to have osteoporosis, which involves bone thinning. Besides osteoporosis being a factor in hair loss, medications for osteoporosis have also been associated with hair thinning. 

A High BMI Can Cause Hair Loss in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia

Studies have shown there’s a link between having a high BMI (body mass index) and hair loss. For example, a study conducted by the Natural Health Research Institute revealed that men with a higher BMI had more severe hair loss than those with a lower BMI. Although there needs to be additional research regarding how severe hair loss can be caused by a high BMI, it’s still important to examine options available for surgical or non-surgical hair restoration.

Excess Body Fat Can Cause Hormonal Imbalances

Excess body fat can cause an imbalance in hormones. For obese males, an increase in body fat cells can cause a production of the female hormone estrogen. On the other hand, in obese women, increased fat cells typically produce the male hormone testosterone. Both types of hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss in men and women.

Weight Loss Can Also Lead to Hair Thinning 

In addition to obesity, even weight loss can cause hair loss, which is usually caused by a condition known as telogen effluvium. To understand why this occurs, you first need to know what’s involved in a normal hair cycle. Consider how the average head of hair grows about ½” each month for roughly two years before going into a resting stage. Once the resting phase ends, the old hairs fall out to make room for new hair to grow. Keep in mind how dieting can create emotional and physical stress, which can force more hair than normal to enter the resting phase and fall out once new hair starts growing. 

Hair Loss Can Be Caused from Surgery 

Although it’s not certain, many doctors think there could be a link between anesthesia and hair loss, especially when anesthetics last for several hours. Hair loss is a common problem after obese people have undergone bariatric surgery. Fortunately, this problem is only temporary and usually stops after six months. Once the hair begins growing, again, the old hair follicles are released. 

Considerations and Warnings 

  • One way to prevent hair loss while dieting is to make sure you eat enough calories, which should include an adequate amount of protein. Moreover, include plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, vitamins and minerals in your diet.
  • Having an excess amount of belly fat can have a negative impact on the endocrine system because it forces the body to produce too much of the hormone known as androgen.
  • Many overweight and obese people suffer from stress. Consider how being both stressed and obese can lead to a vicious, ongoing cycle. In fact, the main cause of hair loss is increased stress.

Are you worried about your hair loss? Call our hair restoration specialists at Mane Image Hair. Our family-owned, Indiana business has been successfully transforming the worst cases of hair loss in men and women for the past three decades. Please contact us, so we can set up a confidential, free scalp and hair loss evaluation.