You’ve finally gotten the weight loss results you’ve been looking for, but what you might not have expected was the hair loss that came with it. It can be scary seeing clumps of hair coming out as you’re standing in front of the bathroom mirror. Turns out, it’s a very common symptom and one that is temporary. It’s known as Telogen Effluvium (TE).
In this post, you’ll discover the causes of hair loss (not just weight loss), any supplements that could be helpful (or harmful), and how to take action. Read on to learn how you can prevent further hair loss and promote healthy weight loss.
Table of Contents
- How much hair loss is too much?
- What causes hair loss while losing weight?
- How long will it take for my hair to grow back?
- What about supplements specifically to help promote hair growth?
- Are there any supplements or medications that can cause hair loss?
- 3 steps to take to right now to prevent further hair loss but keep the weight off
- Bottom Line
How much hair loss is too much?
Our bodies naturally shed hair daily. So if you see a strand of hair on your shoulder that’s no longer attached to your head, there’s no need to freak out. This is part of the hair growth cycle.
Too much hair loss is when you may start seeing more of your scalp than before where the hair is parted or when you’re getting a couple of handfuls of hair from brushing after a shower.
What causes hair loss while losing weight?
First off, if you’re reading this and you’re just starting your weight loss journey, don’t panic. Just know that you might not experience hair loss at all. TE is usually caused by a quick and significant drop in weight. So if you’re losing weight at a healthy rate (about 1-2 lbs per week), that’s great! However, there are some other factors to still consider too.
Here are some scenarios where you may be more likely to experience hair loss and weight loss at the same time:
Bariatric surgery
Not only are you experiencing rapid weight loss, but you may also be having trouble absorbing enough nutrients. This is why it’s important to take the supplements that you’ve been instructed to take after weight loss surgery.
Nutrient deficiency
Protein is needed in our diets to make hair and nails along with other functions in our body such as maintaining muscle mass and building new muscle. Hair and nails are some of the last areas of our body to receive protein. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you get enough from your diet.
Psst…Looking for some high protein breakfast ideas? Check out one of my other posts!
5 High Protein Breakfast Ideas You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less
Other nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, riboflavin, and biotin are important for hair growth as well. Iron deficiency anemia is a common issue where hair loss can occur – especially in menstruating women. These nutrient deficiencies can often be obtained through supplementation if you’re unable to get enough through your diet.
For more information on supplements for hair growth, see below.
Restrictive diets
Diets that eliminate certain foods groups (such as keto or whole 30) or diet plans that involve extreme calorie restriction can result in the loss of nutrients needed to keep the body functioning properly. So when the body needs to preserve nutrients for more important processes in the body, it’s going to stop providing the nutrients that are needed for healthy hair production.
Wondering if you’re eating enough nutrients for healthy weight loss? Schedule a free 30-minute discovery video call and let’s talk about how I can help you.
How long will it take for my hair to grow back?
While TE is usually considered temporary hair loss, it can take up to a year to grow hair back to its luscious self. Patience is key. This can also depend on the length of your weight loss journey. By implementing some of the strategies below, however, you can at the very least slow the rate of hair loss.
What about supplements specifically to help promote hair growth?
There are a lot of supplements out there making claims that they will help promote hair growth. But are they safe and effective?
Biotin is one supplement that is well known to support hair growth as it’s a necessary nutrient. If you do a quick Google search, you’re likely to see this one at the top of the list. Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally found in animal products such as eggs, fish, and beef to name a few. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin is 30mcg for both men and women. However, most biotin supplements promoting hair growth contain excessive amounts that could be harmful to the kidneys over time.
The truth is, biotin will only help promote hair growth if you’re deficient to begin with. It’s unlikely to be helpful if you’re already getting enough in your diet.
Black currant seed oil is another supplement that has been touted as having properties for improving hair growth. However, there are not been any clinical studies to support this claim.
Supplement brands such as Nutrafol and Viviscal claim to reverse hair loss. However, they contain excessive amounts of nutrients that have been shown to cause liver injury and elevated liver enzymes in some individuals who have taken them for 5 months or longer.
Are there any supplements or medications that can cause hair loss?
If you’re taking any medications or supplements, check to make sure that’s not the cause for your hair loss rather than the weight loss itself. High doses of vitamin A and selenium as well as DHEA supplements have been shown to result in hair loss.
As for medications*, there are several that can either cause or worsen hair loss:
- ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, ramipril)
- Antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, amitriptyline, imipramine)
- Antiseizure medications (carbamazepine, hydantoins, lamotrigine, troxidone, valproic acid, vigabatrin)
- Antithyroid drugs (carbimazole, iodine, thiouracil)
- Beta-blockers (levobunolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, timolol)
- Birth control
- Blood thinners (coumarins, dextran, heparin/heparinoids)
- Chemotherapy agents
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (clofibrate, fenofibrate)
- Levodopa
- Pain-relievers/anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen)
- Vitamin A derivatives (acitretin, etretinate, isotretinoin)
*List of medications provided by ConsumerLab.com.
3 steps to take to right now to prevent further hair loss but keep the weight off
Determine if you’re actually losing too much hair. As mentioned earlier, a few strands on the shoulder or in your hairbrush is not a concern. But if you’re losing clumps of hair, now is the time to figure out the cause.
Review your current medication and supplement regimen. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about any medications or supplements you’re taking that might be causing hair loss.
Take a look at your diet. Are you getting enough calories? What about some essential nutrients mentioned above needed to promote hair growth?
Bottom Line
Hair loss can be caused by significant weight loss and/or medications and supplements. Follow the 3 steps above to help you get more clarity on the cause.
Want help evaluating your diet? Let’s chat! Schedule a 30-minute discovery video call and I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you further.
Written by Carrie Weitzel, RD