Why Hair Fall Increases After Weight Loss Or Dieting

Many people notice sudden hair fall a few weeks or months after losing weight. This can feel alarming, especially when weight loss was achieved through strict dieting or intense workout routines.

Hair fall after weight loss is common and usually temporary, but if ignored, it can lead to visible thinning and reduced hair density.

1. Sudden Calorie Restriction Shocks Hair Growth

Rapid weight loss often involves cutting calories drastically. Hair follicles are highly sensitive to energy deficiency. When the body senses stress, it shifts hair from the growth phase to the shedding phase. Medically, this condition is called telogen effluvium.

2. Protein Deficiency Weakens Hair Roots

Hair is made of keratin, a protein. Crash diets often lack adequate protein intake. As a result, hair becomes weak, thin, and prone to shedding. In simple terms, your body prioritises vital organs over hair growth.

3. Iron And Vitamin Deficiencies

Weight loss diets often lack iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B12. Low iron levels reduce oxygen supply to hair follicles, worsening hair fall after weight loss. This makes regrowth slow and unpredictable.

4. Hormonal Changes During Weight Loss

Rapid fat loss affects hormones like estrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. Hormonal imbalance disrupts the hair cycle and contributes to hair thinning after dieting.

How To Control Hair Fall After Weight Loss

  • Increase protein intake gradually
  • Avoid crash diets and extreme calorie cuts
  • Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • Manage stress and get adequate sleep
  • Follow a dermatologist guided hair care plan

Treatments That Help With Hair Fall After Weight Loss

  • Nutrition consultation for balanced diet planning
  • PRP therapy to stimulate weak follicles
  • Scalp treatments to improve circulation
  • Medical supplements based on blood reports

When To See A Dermatologist

If hair fall after weight loss lasts more than three months or leads to visible thinning, professional care is important. At Dr. Reshma Ahuja’s Clinic, we identify nutritional gaps and provide personalised treatments to restore healthy hair growth.

Summary

  • Hair fall after weight loss is usually stress related
  • Nutritional deficiencies worsen shedding
  • Hormonal imbalance plays a key role
  • Early treatment helps restore hair density
Dr. Reshma Ahuja, Best Dermatologist in Powai

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