Can Obesity Cause Hair loss?
Identifying the cause of hair loss is an essential first step in regaining your hair. Even though hair loss for a variety of reasons, keeping a healthy weight may lessen both the probability and severity of hair loss. We’ve looked more closely at how weight reduction and surgery impact hair loss, as well as how obesity impacts hair growth. Is hair loss a result of obesity?
Is hair loss a cause of obesity?
Thankfully, hair loss is not directly caused by fat. However, your hair growth is impacted by certain lifestyle choices and habits linked to fat. Just a few little lifestyle adjustments can help people who are obese grow more hair!
A little exercise helps!
In our contemporary world, a large number of people lead boring lives. It’s challenging to squeeze in adequate exercise because of the demands of demanding employment and growing computer use. However, even a small amount of activity has a significant impact on your hair. Exercise maintains the health of your hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the scalp and other surrounding areas. Your health and hair growth will significantly improve with little, steady modifications over time. Pick a simple workout that you can stick to every day, like walking to the end of the street and back after work or parking in the back of the grocery store parking lot.
Reduce your stress
The connection between stress and obesity has grown more and more clear. Persistently high levels of stress cause problems for the entire body and one of the first physical symptoms of chronic stress may be hair loss. Even if your job is stressful, you still have choices. Consider making time for relaxation or adding in a little exercise. You can find healthy ways to handle even the most stressful situations by lowering your stress hormones through yoga, meditation, or engaging in an activity you enjoy.
Hormones
While we talked about stress hormones, obesity also results in other hormone imbalances that trigger hair loss. Managing your body weight in gradual steps aids with hormone regulation. Weight control balances your hormones and promotes better hair development. This can lessen cravings, control hunger cycles, and enhance general well-being.
Would you Hair loss consider undergoing surgery?
For certain obese patients, doctors recommend surgery. You may be concerned about the impact on your hair if your doctor suggests surgery. It’s true that while your body heals from major surgery, you may experience temporary hair loss. This is typical, and as you heal, your hair will typically regrow.
After bariatric surgery, rapid weight loss can also sometimes result in hair loss. On the other hand, greater nutrition eventually results in better hair growth.
Is hair loss equivalent to Obesity?
The Scientific Basis of Hair Health and Obesity
There isn’t always a clear correlation between obesity and hair loss. Nonetheless, some biological processes suggest a possible link.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Elevated levels of several hormones, such as androgens, are frequently associated with obesity. Conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) can be brought on by this hormonal imbalance.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, which is directly linked to obesity, lowers the amount of vital nutrients that hair follicles receive. Over time, this damages the roots and causes hair loss.
- Inflammation: The body becomes more inflamed when it has too much fat. Prolonged inflammation may harm hair follicles and interfere with regular cycles of hair growth.
- Poor Scalp Health: Blood circulation can be affected by obesity, which lowers the amount of nutrients and oxygen that reach the scalp—two things that are necessary for healthy hair.
Typical Reasons for Hair Loss in Obese Individuals
Nutritional Deficiencies
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of difficulty, which are necessary for the hair development cycle, are frequently seen in obese people.
- Iron Deficiency: A lack of iron can affect the synthesis of hemoglobin, which lowers the amount of oxygen that reaches hair follicles.
- Protein Deficiency: The biggest part of hair comprises the protein keratin. Protein-deficient diets can seriously impair hair structure.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress from obesity itself can lead to telogen effluvium and other diseases that cause hair thinning or shedding. Lifestyle choices like inactivity and sleep deprivation also exacerbate stress, which harms hair health.
Medical Conditions Linked to Obesity
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A medical condition that impairs hair growth by causing hormonal abnormalities.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are prevalent in obese people and can cause hair loss.
You can start addressing the underlying source of the issue and strive toward healthier hair and a healthy body by figuring out these issues.
How to Treat Obesity-Related Hair Loss
A two-pronged strategy is needed to address this problem: enhancing general health and specifically addressing hair growth. To improve long-term results, take these four concrete actions.
Step 1. Dietary Changes
Eat Protein-Rich Foods: Add fish, low-fat meats, eggs, and beans to the food you eat for nourishing your hair.

Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, which are present in walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish, strengthen hair follicles and lower inflammation.

Consume Zinc and Iron: Leafy greens, nuts, and seeds provide vital minerals linked to healthy hair.

Avoid Processed Foods: Reduce your intake of foods high in fat and sugar, which worsen insulin resistance and inflammation.
Step 2. Exercise Regularly

- Boost Blood Circulation: Exercises that increase blood flow to the scalp include yoga and vigorous jogging.
- .Lower Stress Hormones: Exercise lowers cortisol levels, which are connected to weight growth and hair loss.
- Maintain Consistency: For better hair health and weight control, try to get in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Step 3. Consider Supplements
Although food is the most important factor, some supplements can improve the health of your hair, including:
- Biotin: encourages the synthesis of keratin for stronger hair.
- Vitamin D: promotes development and enhances follicle health.
- Iron and zinc are important for feeding hair follicles, particularly when a shortage occurs.
Always get medical advice before beginning a supplement regimen to prevent negative consequences.
Step 4. Manage Stress

- Practice Mindfulness: Chronic stress is reduced by methods like deep breathing and meditation.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Essential growth hormones that support healthy hair are disrupted by inadequate sleep. Set for 5 to 6 hours of peaceful sleep every evening.
- Engage in Relaxing Activities: Hobbies and outdoor activities can promote mental relaxation and general well-being. These adjustments help with weight control, improved health, and increased self-confidence in addition to addressing hair loss.
The Genetic Contribution to Obesity and Hair Loss
Unquestionably, genetics contributes to both hair loss and obesity. Male or female pattern baldness and obesity are more common in people with family histories of both illnesses.
Certain genes affect how the body responds to hormones and stores fat, which can affect the health of the scalp and the creation of new hair.
Being aware of your genetic predispositions might help you take proactive steps early on, like changing to healthy habits and getting frequent checkups.
Drugs’ Effects on Hair Health
Hair loss can occasionally be made worse by medications used to treat obesity or associated illnesses.
For instance, certain blood pressure or antidepressant medications may cause side effects concerning hair thinning, while medications such as orlistat (for weight management) may interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
You can reduce the dangers to your hair by talking to your doctor about your medication alternatives and keeping an eye on any adverse effects.
Social and Cultural Views of Weight and Hair
Weight and hair have important social and cultural connotations. A slender body and thick, healthy hair are frequently seen as attractive, which puts unfair pressure on people who are obese or experiencing hair loss. Both mental health and self-esteem may be impacted by these beliefs.
You can cultivate a more optimistic mindset and adopt a healthier lifestyle by acknowledging these influences and putting your health above social expectations.
Novel Therapies for Hair Loss in Obese People
Recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in the field of hair restoration, giving patients who suffer from obesity-related hair loss new hope.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy: a non-invasive procedure that stimulates hair growth by injecting platelet-rich plasma from your blood into the scalp.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LT): Light therapy is used by devices such as laser caps to stimulate hair follicles and increase blood circulation.
- Topical Solutions: To address particular causes of hair loss, innovations like minoxidil foam and specialty serums are being developed.
These treatments are great options for some people since they work best when combined with lifestyle modifications.
Yet, doesn’t losing weight lead to issues with hair growth?
Hair development is not impacted by slow, steady weight loss. However, hair loss can happen from quickly decreasing a lot of weight. Also, hair loss is a common side effect of crash dieting, particularly if you’re losing a lot of weight and getting it back soon. Instead of attempting to drastically alter your lifestyle all at once, make tiny, progressive dietary adjustments over time. You’re more likely to keep your weight down and you’ll keep your hair.
Summary and Reassurance
Although obesity and hair loss may appear to be insurmountable obstacles, they can be controlled with the correct strategy. You may promote the health of both your hair and your weight by realizing the link between these two problems, treating the underlying causes, and implementing long-lasting lifestyle adjustments.
Remind yourself that you are not alone. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an expert who can provide you with individualized guidance and solutions. Start today for a healthier body and more hair. Little changes add up to great changes!
FAQs
Is it possible to stop hair loss caused by obesity?
On the other hand, greater nutrition eventually results in better hair growth. Usually, the hair will start to grow again in less than six weeks. Obesity is only one of many factors that impact hair growth and can lead to hair loss.
Can hair loss be aided by weight loss?
The biochemical mechanism by which obesity can cause hair thinning has been discovered by researchers. They discovered that mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited distinct behaviors from animals fed a normal diet in terms of the behavior of stem cells within their hair follicles.
Does a lot of weight lead to hair loss?
While it doesn’t cause hair loss directly, obesity can produce hormonal imbalances that can lead to hair thinning, especially when DHT levels are elevated. Hair loss in women can also be brought on by obesity-related disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Will my hair change after bariatric surgery?
After surgery, nutritional malabsorption may cause temporary hair loss. This can be lessened with the use of supplements and a nutritionist’s advice.
Is it possible to reverse hair loss caused by stress?
Indeed. Once the underlying stressors are addressed, telogen effluvium, or stress-related hair loss, frequently goes away.
References
- India, D., Rayate, N., & India, D. (2024, December 20). Does obesity cause hair loss? | DOSS India. Does India | Center of Excellence for Laparoscopic, Obesity & Hernia Surgery. https://www.dossindia.com/blog/does-obesity-cause-hair-loss/
- Smolarczyk, K., Meczekalski, B., Rudnicka, E., Suchta, K., & Szeliga, A. (2024). Association of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on Hair Health. Medicina, 60(2), 325. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020325
- Gupta, A. (2023, May 17). Can obesity lead to hair loss? Let’s find out from an expert. Health shots. https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/hair-care/is-there-a-link-between-obesity-and-hair-loss-lets-find-out/
- Liu, A. (2020, March 6). The Link Between Obesity & Hair Loss. New Look Institute. https://www.newlookinstitute.com/blog/the-link-between-obesity-hair-loss