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The cause of hair loss is not always clear-cut. In most cases, we may blame aging and genetics for adult hair loss, but that’s rarely the case. Many experts have covered a lot of the reasons for hair loss on their websites, but while genetics is often the leading contributor to hair loss, there are a number of other variables that can also contribute to hair loss.
The causes of temporary hair loss include illnesses, medications, stress, hairstyles, and even childbirth, but what about being overweight or obese?
Research has looked into the connection between hair loss and obesity. The majority of studies to date have concluded that there’s no direct link between hair loss and being overweight. However, if you are gaining weight and you find it challenging to lose weight because of your hair issues, there are factors why you may be losing hair.
Stress
One of the main causes of both excess weight and hair loss is stress. Mental health issues can lead to chronic stress. Therapy, therapies, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques may all be used to deal with stress. We frequently have an innate sense of when we are excessively stressed out.
Cortisol levels rise during stress. Both weight gain and (often transient) hair loss might result from this stress. Life circumstances or mental health conditions can also contribute to chronic stress (or both). Changes in lifestyle, counseling, and stress reduction techniques may all be necessary to deal with stress. We frequently have an innate sense of when we are excessively stressed out.
Diet
There is a great likelihood that you will gain weight if you eat an unbalanced diet or consume a significant amount of junk food, which also causes malnutrition. A lack of some vitamins, such as biotin, is also necessary for healthy hair. Vitamin E deficiency can impact both skin and hair.
If you eat too much processed food due to a lack of time, money, or both, you run the risk of gaining weight, which indicates malnutrition in important regions.
Vitamin E deficiency can have an impact on both the skin and the hair, and healthy hair also needs certain B vitamins, particularly biotin. This can also affect people who are trying to lose weight; if you start losing your hair right away, you should see a nutritionist because this is an indication that you’re crash dieting, which won’t work in the long run.
One of the most effective techniques for maintaining healthy hair is a balanced diet. Saturated fats, processed carbohydrates, and fast food are often found in diets that lead to poor overall health. Additionally, some vitamins and minerals are necessary for hair health in order to sustain regular growth processes. Healthy levels of vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, zinc, iron, and lean protein should be present in a diet for healthy hair. In addition to promoting health and weight loss, a diet high in vegetables, fish, nuts, chicken, and seeds will also result in hair that is stronger and healthier. If you’re committed to making changes, make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your nutrition and general health.
Diabetes
There is a great likelihood that you will gain weight if you eat an unbalanced diet or consume a large amount of junk food, which also causes malnutrition. A lack of some vitamins, such as biotin, is also necessary for healthy hair. Vitamin E deficiency can impact both skin and hair.
One indication that the blood sugar is out of control is hair loss. Since type 2 diabetes and an insulin imbalance are more common in overweight people (type 1 diabetes is inherited), it may appear that fat is the root of the hair loss.
Diabetes and obesity are frequently related, and diabetes has also been related to hair loss. Diabetes affects how well the circulatory system works, resulting in irregular blood flow or circulation issues. The cycle of hair development might be delayed by the interruption of this function since your hair depends on blood circulation to provide nutrients to your follicles. Thyroid disease, another issue associated with hair loss, is also frequently detected in diabetic patients.
Underactive Thyroid
Excess weight and hair loss are the two most typical signs of a thyroid that is not functioning properly. You should have your thyroid levels evaluated if you’re in your thirties and are also suffering from fatigue, dry skin, poor nail quality, or depression, especially if you are a woman.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone fluctuations can interfere with the regeneration of hair follicles, causing hair thinning and hair loss. Obesity is linked to hormonal imbalance in a number of ways. First, because they have more body fat, overweight men possess higher estrogen levels in their bodies naturally. The growth of hair could be impacted by this hormonal imbalance. Second, thyroid disorders, which are frequently accompanied by abnormal hormone production, are frequently linked to obesity. This prevents the growth process from starting and throws off the hormone balance required for hair creation.
Menopause
Menopause can begin as early as the age of 40 and lead to a variety of bodily abnormalities. Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone levels fall with age, which results in excessively dry hair that splits easily. And many women acquire weight as a result of this.
Too Much Estrogen
Male and female patients both experience excess weight and hair loss as a result of excess estrogen. This may be a sign of issues with the reproductive organs in females. Overexposure to substances similar to estrogen can potentially be the reason.
Testosterone Levels Drop
Obesity can contribute to testosterone loss in the same way that it can to excess estrogen. This is the underlying reason why so many people believe that male pattern baldness is caused by fat. The reality is that while it doesn’t start baldness, it certainly speeds up the process.
Heart Condition
Heart disease and obesity are both related conditions. Once more, hair loss is a known symptom of heart disease. In fact, one study indicated that balding males have a 70% increased risk of developing heart disease, making hair loss a visual indicator for heart disease. This association makes sense because the growth of the hair follicles might be constrained by a heart defect, poor circulation, or interrupted blood flow.
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