Does Obesity Cause Hair Loss?

Many people who are already suffering from obesity or gained significant weight recently  ask this. So, let’s explore a few aspects of obesity-related hair loss.

So, let’s answer your question straight away. Obesity is a severe concern that affects millions worldwide. It can put the individual at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many other problems, which could in turn progress to various complications.

It might interest you to know that obesity does not directly cause hair loss. But there’s an indirect connection of which you should be aware. So, how does obesity affect hair loss?

Obesity can result in hormonal imbalance, particularly an increase in the production of androgens, like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Increased DHT levels can shrink hair follicles, thus resulting in hair thinning and hair loss.

In women, obesity or being overweight can result in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It has become a common reproductive problem among young women which leads to menstrual irregularities due to hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, acne, facial hair, thyroid hormonal imbalance. In addition, it can trigger hair loss as it is associated with higher free -l testosterone levels that affect hair growth.

Dealing with obesity related hair loss requires you to make some lifestyle changes. Some of them may include the following.

Regular Exercises

Sedentary lifestyles, irregular eating habits, and lack of exercise together wreak havoc in many people’s lives. Obesity is one of the most significant damages that these lifestyle-related aspects gradually translate to over a period.

Accordingly, some changes include indulging in adequate physical activity and modifying your eating habits, which involve eating on time and maintaining a balanced diet. The diet helps keep your body healthy from within. But exercise helps to recover obesity and subsequently hormonal imbalance.

Hormone Regulation

Obesity results in hormonal imbalances that result in hair loss. Small initiatives can help you manage your body weight and help regulate your hormones. While helping improve hair growth, managing your weight also helps balance your hormones. It can help reduce cravings, regulate hunger cycles, and enhance your overall well-being.

Reducing Your Stress

Obesity has a strong relation to stress. Chronic high-stress levels trigger hormonal imbalance, inactivity, stress eating and ultimately hair loss. . Engaging in some physical activities, meditation, Yogasan, taking out time for hobbies, etc., can help you manage stress and foster positive results over a timeframe.

So, although obesity does not directly impact hair loss. It has a relationship with it and can stimulate the hair loss process. However, it should be noted that obesity causes many other health problems, probably more critical than hair loss. Accordingly, you should maintain healthy weight levels via regular physical activity and a regular diet.

Connect with HairMD if you are looking for effective solutions for hair loss. We are a team of qualified and experienced dermatologists who provide personalized hair treatment solutions based on comprehensive diagnosis and extensive counseling.