Hair Loss and Obesity, How Are They Related?

The Office for National Statistics published a report on obesity, physical activity, and diet in England at the beginning of April 2018 on NHS Digital. report that reveals the relationship between Hair Loss and Obesity. As well as other damage that obesity can cause to health.

The results, which covered the time from March 31, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Showed that 26% of adults in the UK are obese. Additionally, the National Health Service hospitalization rates for obesity-related conditions increased by 18% year over year to 617,000.

However, the consequences go far beyond just waist measurements and have a significant impact on the health of the country. An unintended consequence of what is often referred to as the “obesity crisis” is an increased predisposition for hair loss among people who are affected.

What Stage Of Weight Gain Is Considered Obesity?

The Body Mass Index (or BMI) healthy body weight tool is now used by the NHS. To determine whether or not an individual is overweight or obese. While this may be useful as a generalization. It is not true for everyone because it ignores elements like muscle mass and race.

When establishing weight range criteria. The criteria may be lower for Caucasians compared to other races. So the BMI calculator tool is thought to be more accurate for Caucasians.

The Obesity Epidemic

There has been discussion of the obesity epidemic for many years, and not only in the UK. However, this most recent fact-finding effort focused on England. Appears to have generated verifiable facts regarding the problem’s present scope and methods of attack.

In 2016, 26% of people were categorized as obese. Up 15% since 1993, although it has been at the same level for the preceding six years. According to NHS Digital statistics. According to studies on childhood obesity, one in every ten kids in the preschool age group and one in every five kids in sixth grade were overweight.

The research highlights the health hazards by noting that in 2016–17, there were 606,295 secondary diagnoses for obesity. And 10,705 main diagnoses for admissions to NHS hospitals. 66% of the patients in these admissions were female.

According to the NHS, depending on how serious it is, obesity reduces the expected lifespan by an estimated three to ten years. According to estimates, obesity and overweight account for at least one in every thirteen fatalities in Europe.

Does Gaining Weight Result In Hair Loss?

Although being severely overweight on its own is unlikely to result in hair loss. Obesity can increase the chance of developing a number of serious health problems. The majority of which are associated with thinning hair. This may occur either directly or indirectly. As little more than a side effect of drugs used to treat various conditions. Which include coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease. Stroke, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and certain forms of cancer. Specifically bowel cancer and breast cancer.

The NHS Digital report’s core data. Particularly those related to hospitalizations and lifestyle factors like diet and activity. Support an inference that hair loss is becoming more common and that it is linked to obesity.

According to NHS Digital, only 24% of men and 28% of women eat the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruits per day in 2016. While 21% of men and 25% of women were classified as being sedentary.

Deficiencies in some nutrients can result in Telogen Effluvium. A transient disorder that causes widespread hair thinning throughout the scalp. Despite its ability to affect either gender, women are more likely to experience it. Except in chronic cases, where the shedding, which can involve up to 50% of the scalp. Lasts for at least six months though is still only considered temporary. Can take up to three months to manifest after it has started. And it typically returns on its own within six months.

Telogen Effluvium

However, telogen effluvium can lead to increased thinning in persons who already have a genetic tendency to hereditary hair loss, including male or female pattern baldness. In circumstances where these illnesses were genetically predisposed but had not yet shown, it can also trigger their early development. When this does occur and it causes concern, those who are interested in learning about hair regrowth and combating baldness can consult an expert about individualized hair loss treatment choices because, in many instances, clinically-proven drugs can be helpful.

The present statistical trend of both men and women suffering hair loss at a younger age than earlier generations may also be attributed to obesity. Oxidative stress is one of the problems that numerous specialists have connected to an increase in male pattern baldness in young men. This is connected to concerns with lifestyle, such as eating unbalanced foods, drinking alcohol excessively on a daily basis, and smoking.

Women have historically lost their hair at a later age than males, but stress is currently regarded as the main cause of the increase in female pattern loss of hair. There are instances among women in their 20s that may be a result of the stresses of modern life.

Weight Loss Without Hair Loss

Instead of depending on any “quick fix” methods, it is crucial for people who wish to lose weight to develop a smart long-term plan that considers both their food and activity habits. Due to the stress they put on the body, excessive dieting, shock or crash diets, and over-exercising could all be troublesome and lead to thinning hair, again due to Telogen Effluvium.

Sudden bald patches caused by the autoimmune disease Alopecia Areata may well be created in particular circumstances, where the body experiences a true shock to its systems after drastic actions are performed. This is what “super slimmer” Mandy Ballard experienced after getting a gastric sleeve inserted. She shed 17 stone within only two years by adhering to a grueling workout and dietary regimen. Many times, hair regrowth may start on its own within a year, while alopecia areata therapy may hasten this process.

In Conclusion

The best strategy to stop hair loss caused by body pressure and strain is to take a measured approach to implementing a balanced lifestyle and dietary adjustments – with the assistance of relevant professionals if needed. One of the many advantages of having a healthy body and a diet full of a variety of nutrients is that they may support both proper blood circulation and the hair development cycle for strong, vibrant locks. However, should any unusual shedding happen, assistance and support are accessible, so this should not prevent anyone from accomplishing their objectives.