Being overweight or even obese has many side effects on your overall health. The World Heart Federation (WHF) reports that more than 2.3 billion children and adults worldwide are considered overweight or obese. As a result, obesity is rightly called an epidemic that can have dire consequences if left untreated. Did you know that obesity and hair loss are also closely related?
I got a call from Health Shot Dr. Monica Chaharchief and director of dermatology at Dwarka, Delhi, Head of Skin Decoration, where women share: obesity and overweight You are more likely to experience hair health problems such as hair loss. To understand the link between obesity and hair loss, read on.
Does obesity cause hair loss?
It is common knowledge that obesity is associated with an increased risk of several diseases. Obese people are more prone to heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. However, it is unclear exactly how chronic obesity causes the body’s organs to deteriorate and fail to function.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) recently used a mouse model study to investigate the effects of genetically induced obesity and a high-fat diet on hair thinning and hair loss. Findings show that obesity causes hair follicle loss by inducing specific inflammatory signals that deplete hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), inhibiting hair follicle regeneration and ultimately leading to hair follicle loss. there is a possibility.
Expert Views on the Link Between Obesity and Hair Loss
Being overweight can compromise the health of your hair and cause problems. Dr. Chahar says, “When you have excess belly fat, hormonal imbalance, specifically, increased production of androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated DHT levels can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning hair and ultimately hair loss. ”
She further explains that obese or overweight women develop insulin resistance, which can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common reproductive problems among young women. I’m here. Additionally, PCOS may be a contributing factor to hair loss, as PCOS is associated with higher than normal testosterone levels, which affects hair growth.
How can I control hair loss?
Here are the 5 most important tips to remember to control hair loss.
1. Maintain a balanced diet. A healthy diet plays an important role in hair health. Choose nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, biotin, protein, zinc and iron that support hair growth and healthy follicles.
2. Manage stress: Chronic stress can make hair loss worse. Incorporate stress relief techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing into your daily schedule.
3. Lose Weight: If overweight or obesity is the cause of your hair loss problem, you must lose weight to manage it. Regular physical activity not only helps with weight management, but it also improves blood circulation, which is essential for delivering nutrients to hair follicles. Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes and you’ll see the difference.
4. Avoid harsh hair care methods. Styling with excessive heat, tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments can damage the hair shaft and cause hair loss. So don’t make these mistakes.
5. Head massage: One of the best strategies to stop hair loss is doing regular head massages, which are proven to increase blood circulation. Not only does it promote hair growth, but it also helps maintain hair health and combat stress, which is a key factor in hair loss.
Seek professional help if nothing helps.
If hair loss persists or worsens, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can assess your particular situation, identify the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions such as medications, topical solutions, or treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. , said. Dr. Chahal.
