With the summer holidays coming up, many people will be looking to shape up and finetune that beach body just in time for that long-awaited getaway. A word of warning, however, losing weight fast can result in some negative and rather unexpected side effects…
There are countless weight loss myths, with adopting a radical exercise regime or crash/restrictive dieting just two of them. Losing weight rapidly using these methods is not only bad for you in the short term, it can have permanent consequences as the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) details:
“Crash dieting can permanently impact a person’s weight. The body doesn’t recognise a deliberate diet; it reacts as if it’s living through a famine. And, when that famine is over, it wants to be prepared for future famines by keeping more fat in its stores. Therefore, after a crash diet, your weight set point (the ideal weight your body aims to maintain) shifts upwards. You’ll likely end up bigger in the long run than you were before.”
What you eat, and how much of it, can influence every aspect of your appearance. The connection between weight loss and hair thinning is already well established, with nutrient deficiencies, calorie and protein restrictions, and extreme weight loss causing the loss or thinning of the hair.
Protein in particular plays a vital role in hair health. Your follicles need these amino acids to complete the hair lifecycle, and effectively prevent hair loss, thinning and breakages.
It’s not just the lack of adequate nutrition and calories that cause the growth of follicles to slow and eventually come to a halt. Those seeking weight loss through gastric sleeve surgery may find that the stress caused by this intervention and the resulting rapid weight loss increases the risk of hair loss.
While in some circumstances, such as stress-related hair loss following gastric sleeve surgery, can’t be prevented, with symptoms resolving on their own. You can reduce the risk of other weight loss-related thinning rather simply by aiming to fulfil your personal weight loss goals in a healthy and sustainable manner.
Your new diet should contain all the nutrients your body needs to take care of itself and preserve the health of your hair to prevent loss and thinning. Instead of opting for a crash diet, select a balanced diet that’s rich in hair health-boosting vitamins and minerals. B vitamins (including riboflavin, biotin, folate and B12), vitamin D, vitamin C, iron and zinc have all been linked to healthy hair and hair growth.
Changing your hair care routine can also improve the appearance of dull, lifeless and/or thinning hair. There are several hair care products, shampoos and conditioners that have been specially formulated to thicken fine or thin hair for example.
If you have already been impacted by weight loss-related hair thinning, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Wearing a protective style (like one of our lady’s wigs) while you seek diagnosis and appropriate treatment is recommended.
The right treatment can facilitate hair regrowth to stop loss and reverse thinning caused by crashes or restrictive dieting.
