Alopecia in Crash Dieters

June 1976 in “ JAMA ”

Detlef K. Goette

telogen effluvium hair matrix cellular kinetics growth phase resting phase caloric restriction

TLDR Crash dieting can cause hair loss due to severe calorie restriction.

The study from 1976 involved nine patients who experienced significant hair loss, or telogen effluvium, after rapid weight loss due to crash dieting, with weight loss ranging from 11.7 to 24.75 kg. The hair loss appeared two to five months after the diet began, with telogen counts between 25% to 50%, exceeding the normal average of 13%. The study indicated that the hair loss was caused by severe caloric restriction, which disrupted the hair matrix's cellular kinetics, causing hair to shift from the growth phase to the resting phase. Hair regrowth was observed after patients resumed normal caloric intake. The study concluded that the hair loss in crash dieters was due to the lack of energy provided to the hair matrix because of rigorous caloric restriction.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 419 results

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 667 upvotes 2 months ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Sandalore: a scientific homemade approch

20 upvotes 6 years ago

The post discusses using Sandalore as a potential hair loss treatment, emphasizing precise measurements and safe handling. The user compares Sandalore's effects to Minoxidil and mentions preparing a solution with ethanol and DMSO.

community I am RESTLESS and not STRESSLESS due to my issues of TRESSLESS :(

in Female 15 upvotes 3 years ago

A female user is experiencing severe hair loss, especially at the crown and front, with broken and dull hair despite using Moroccan oil, shea moisture shampoo, and coconut oil. She seeks recommendations for a clinic or doctor as previous doctors attributed the issue to stress but offered no solutions.

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 3 months ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

Related Research

6 / 6 results

research Risk Factors Analysis of Hair Loss in Obese Patients After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

1 citations, June 2017

Weight loss and low folic acid levels after sleeve gastrectomy can predict hair loss severity.

research Reversal of Hair Loss Following Vertical Gastroplasty When Treated with Zinc Sulfate

68 citations, February 1996 in “Obesity Surgery”

Taking zinc sulphate stopped and reversed hair loss in patients after weight loss surgery.

research Hair Loss With Rapid Weight Loss

5 citations, February 1977 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Eating more protein during fast weight loss can prevent hair loss.

research Alopecia in Crash Dieters

23 citations, June 1976 in “PubMed”

Crash dieting can cause temporary hair loss due to not getting enough energy for hair growth.

research Alopecia in Crash Dieters

4 citations, June 1976 in “JAMA”

Severe calorie cutting can cause hair loss, but hair usually grows back after some time.

research Alopecia in Crash Dieters

32 citations, June 1976 in “JAMA”

Crash dieting can cause hair loss due to severe calorie restriction.