Hair Loss and Weight Gain: How Are They Linked?

Here at Chicago Hair Institute, we always want to make sure we properly diagnose the cause and treat hair loss. In a lot of cases, targeting the cause of balding or hair thinning is the best way of dealing with the issue.

A number of patients have asked whether or not weight gain plays a role in balding and thinning. The answers may surprise you.

Can Weight Gain Really Cause Hair Loss?

Yes.

The body is a complicated system, and sometimes weight gain can trigger a host of serious wellness issues as well as hair loss.

Some Health Conditions May Cause Weight Gain and Hair Loss

Some conditions lead to weight gain or are associated with weight gain in varying degrees, and this weight gain can lead to hair loss.

• Depression – Depression has sometimes been shown to cause loss due to hormonal imbalances associated with the condition.

• Lack of Exercise – Lack of physical activity can lead to becoming overweight or obese, which can have a significant impact on overall bodily wellness and contribute to hair loss.

• Overeating/Poor Diet – If you are not eating right, this can have a negative impact on your overall wellness. A poor diet high in calories and low on necessary vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss in addition to many other problems.

• Diabetes – Over time, diabetes can lead to damaged blood vessels. This could affect the blood vessels of your scalp, which means less oxygen present to nourish the hair follicles and greater likelihood of hair loss.

In addition to the above, hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss, which is why we'd like to focus and expand on thyroid issues in particular.

About Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain hormones. These hormone imbalances can throw off metabolism, lead to fatigue, cause dry skin, and even cause hair loss.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Potential causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Congenital disorders
• Side effects from medications
• Thyroid surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Iodine deficiency
• Advanced age

Treating Hypothyroidism

Proper treatment of hypothyroidism typically involves the use of medications that can restore proper hormone levels in the body. In turn, this can reverse the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism with time.

Is Hair Restoration Surgery Necessary?

In a number of cases, no.

When it comes to addressing hair loss related to hypothyroidism, the use of medications can go a long way toward restoring hair and overall wellness.

For other conditions noted above, the best option prior to hair restoration surgery is improving your habits and lifestyle. By exercising more, eating right, and ensuring proper treatment of other conditions, the hair loss may rectify itself within a few months.

If the hair loss persists after healthy lifestyle changes, that's when meeting with a hair restoration specialist should be considered.

Contact Chicago Hair Institute

To learn more about the causes of hair loss and how a skilled professional can address these issues, be sure to contact an experienced hair loss and restoration specialist today. The team at Chicago Hair Institute is here to help you have a healthy and full head of hair again.