HELP FOR A SURPRISE SIDE EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS

You found a weight-loss method that works for you: The pounds are coming off, your clothes fit better and you're feeling more confident. But many women notice an unexpected and unflattering change: hair loss. Here, how to reverse it

- DANIELLE SCHLASS SALIMAN

IT’S SO UNFAIR. “When patients lose a significant amount of weight, especially quickly, it can trigger a type of hair shedding called telogen effluvium,” says Ross Kopelman, D.O., a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “I see this all the time in my practice.”

It’s a common concern, especially for women, and understanding the connection is key to addressing it effectively. Read on to learn about the link between weight loss and hair loss and how you can easily reverse thinning while staying lean. The connection between hairloss and weight.

Rapid weight loss acts as a shock to the system, explains Dr. Kopelman. This sudden change forces more hair follicles into the resting (telo-gen) phase of the hair cycle. These resting hairs then begin to shed a few months down the line—often dramatically.

But, Dr. Kopelman assures, while short-term rapid weight loss can cause hair shedding, “I tell my patients not to panic because in the long run, sustainable weight loss can actually help improve hair health—especially for people with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.” These conditions can contribute to hair thinning due to hormonal imbalances—particularly elevated insulin and androgens.