Today, hair loss is being linked to bad habits and poor health. But are excessive eating and obesity also hair loss triggers? The health of your hair is inherently tied to your overall well-being, so it shouldn't come as a shock when we tell you the answer is, more or less, yes.
Though overeating and obesity are not directly responsible for hair loss, they have the potential to create deficiencies and diseases that have been linked to hair loss. Whether from excessive eating or a sedentary lifestyle, obesity is at the heart of many hair loss-related issues. At LH Hair, we're committed to educating our clients about hair loss in all forms. For more on how obesity is linked to the conditions that cause hair loss, read on!
Diabetes
Obesity is often associated with diabetes which, in turn, has been linked to hair loss. Diabetes impacts the ability of the circulatory system to function properly, causing improper blood flow and circulation problems. Since your hair relies on blood circulation to deliver nutrients to your follicles, the cycle of hair growth can be stunted by the disruption of this function. Additionally, people with diabetes are often diagnosed with thyroid disease, another condition linked to hair loss.
Heart Disease
Obesity is also a factor linked to heart disease. Once again, heart disease is known to cause hair loss. In fact, hair loss is considered a visual cue for heart disease: one study found that balding men have a 70% higher chance of having heart disease. This correlation makes sense because a combination of a weak heart, poor circulation, and disrupted blood flow can restrict the hair follicles' ability to grow.
Hormonal Imbalance
Fluctuating hormone levels can disrupt the function of hair follicle regeneration, leading to thinning hair and hair loss. Hormonal imbalance is associated with obesity in several ways. First, overweight men have higher levels of fat, which increase the natural levels of estrogen in their bodies. This hormonal imbalance could have an impact on hair growth. Second, obesity is commonly associated with thyroid conditions which are typically accompanied by irregular hormone production. This upsets the balance of hormones necessary for the production of hair and causes the growing process to remain dormant.
Diet
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain healthy hair. Diets that are high in junk food, refined sugars, and saturated fats tend to cause poor overall health. Also, hair health is dependent on certain vitamins and minerals in order to maintain normal growth functions. A hair-healthy diet should include healthy doses of Vitamin C, zinc, iron, biotin, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean protein. A diet that is rich in vegetables, chicken, fish, nuts, and seeds will not only help promote health and weight loss but also lead to stronger, healthier hair. Be sure to speak with a doctor about your health and diet if you're serious about making improvements.
So, yes, obesity does have a hand in hair loss. Although it's not the direct cause, it leads to a variety of issues that eventually affect the growth of your hair. The takeaway? Being active and maintaining a healthy weight and diet can make a big difference if you're struggling to maintain healthy hair.
If you would like to learn more about the causes of hair loss or the hair loss solutions offered at LH Hair, please contact us! We specialize in hair loss solutions for hair loss at all stages and look forward to helping you reclaim your confidence. Take advantage of our free consultation and find out what LH Hair can do for you!
