Telogen Effluvium Secondary to Starvation Diet
May 1976
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This report describes a case of probable telogen effluvium associated with stress and recent relocation, contributing to evidence of hair loss linked to weight reduction programs.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In 1976, a case report was published describing a 20-year-old woman who experienced telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss, following significant weight loss due to a starvation diet. The patient lost 15.8 kg (35 lb) on a 200 calorie per day diet, which led to a hair loss with a 30% telogen ratio. After stopping the diet, her hair loss improved over the next two to three months. A recurrence of hair loss happened when she lost an additional 6.3 kg (14 lb) on a less severe diet, with a subsequent telogen hair count of approximately 27%. The patient saw improvement once again after discontinuing the diet. This case added to previous reports suggesting that substantial weight loss from crash dieting could precipitate telogen effluvium.
