Link Between Obesity & Hair Loss

There is often a question of whether obesity affects hair loss. If you are concerned about your weight and are losing hair at a rate above normal, knowing the cause of your hair loss is the first step toward your personalized solution. The truth is obesity does not directly cause hair loss. That said, there are lifestyle choices related to obesity which can affect hair growth and hair loss. Let’s explore the link between obesity and hair loss.

Obesity and Hair Loss – A Connection?

As mentioned, obesity does not directly cause hair loss, but obesity does lead to an increased risk of other health conditions which can cause thinning hair. Health conditions related to obesity include type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, stroke, and more. Hair loss or thinning then can become a side-effect of medications used to treat those conditions or the result of those conditions.

Lifestyle changes can help. In many cases, obesity is linked with improper diet and lack of exercise. Poor eating habits can result in nutritional deficiencies which can cause hair thinning, the result of a condition known as Telogen Effluvium. The condition is most prevalent in women, though men experience it as well. Telogen Effluvium occurs when the number of hair follicles in the growth stage drops, resulting in too much shedding.

The two most common causes of Telogen Effluvium are thought to be dietary deficiencies and stress. The lack of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can trigger Telogen Effluvium. Oxidative stress, also related to unbalanced diets, is another trigger for Telogen Effluvium. Nutritional supplements can help, but even better is a change to a balance diet, rich in these nutrients. Once Telogen Effluvium is triggered it can last for months, though regrowth is possible.

Adding exercise to your routine can also help with hair loss, by promoting increased blood flow which keeps hair follicles healthy and functioning properly. Exercise, doesn’t need to excessive, but can be easily added to your daily routine by simply walking more, like parking a bit farther away from stops as you run errands or head to work or school and getting in more steps. Exercise also helps lower stress, and lowering stress will help your overall health, including your hair.

Hormone imbalances, which often manifest alongside obesity, can lead to hair loss. Changing to more nutritional eating habits, managing your body weight, and exercising can help to regulate your hormones and, in turn, improve hair growth and overall health and wellness.

But Wait, Isn’t There Also a Connection Between Weight Loss and Hair Loss?

Well, yes and no. A sensible long-term weight loss plan which includes healthy eating and exercises won’t likely result in hair loss. But extreme quick fixes like fad diets, crash diets, and over exercising just might result in thinning hair – Telogen Effluvium - because of the stress placed on your body. As in nearly all instances, a well-thought out approach to diet and lifestyle, including the aid of healthcare professionals, is the best way to ensure a healthy solution, which promotes wellness and reduces hair loss.

Healthy Body, Healthy Hair

A diet rich in nutrition, along with moderate exercise can help improve overall health, which improves blood circulation and your hair growth cycle. In reality, there are many causes to hair loss, and obesity can be a factor. If you are concerned about hair loss, the first step is to determine the cause. Knowing the cause means the ability to find a personalized solution.

The team at Mane Image has the knowledge and expertise to help you find the cause of your hair loss and guide you to a custom solution. Contact Mane Image today to schedule your FREE confidential consultation.