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Does Weight Loss Cause Hair Loss?
By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: January 20, 2023
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Weight loss leads to improved health of nearly every body organ. Weight loss is known to decrease blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes, lower cholesterol, improve sleep apnea and lower the risk of several weight related cancers. Additionally, weight loss is the only known treatment for fatty liver disease, a serious condition that can cause liver cancer and liver failure.
During weight loss, some body processes that are non-essential are reduced. For example, weight loss can slow nail growth, lead to dry skin, and in some cases can effect hair growth. These parts of the body receive a lower priority since they are less likely to affect survival. They are essentially a “luxury.” Meal skipping is a common reason why people lose hair, so ensuring adequate protein during weight loss is important.
While distressing, some people lose hair during weight loss despite good nutrition. The hair follicles can go into a hibernation phase called “telogen effluvium.” During this phase of the hair cycle, hair can fall out, leading to visible clumps of hair in the shower drain and hair brush. This is quite different from patches of hair loss, alopecia areata, which may be caused by an autoimmune condition.
Once telogen effluvium begins, hair continues to fall out for several months, then stabilizes for several months. Hair may return to a growth phase several months later. Since hair grows about 1″ per month, it can take over a year to return to normal hair length and thickness.
The best way to prevent hair loss related to weight loss is to ensure generous amounts of protein at least every 4 hrs. To ensure adequate vitamin intake, a multivitamin may be helpful, though data is not convincing.
Rest assured, hair loss related to weight loss is temporary, as no one develops baldness related to weight loss.
Nick
Nick's Story
"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More
Gina
Lost 44.5 lbs
"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.
I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More
Lauren
Lost 60 lbs
"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More
Chuck
Lost 66 lbs
"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.
You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.
Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More
Emily
Lost 101 lbs
"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More
Reviews
Meet Our Team
Robert Ziltzer, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Diana Bone, FNP-C
Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Kristen Ash, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Alicia Earley, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
