Difficulties Surrounding Fiber

In the document from July 19, 1976, Dr. George L. Blackburn and colleagues discussed their findings on hair loss associated with rapid weight loss. They observed increased telogen hair counts, which is a form of hair loss, in patients who experienced a significant negative nitrogen balance due to the loss of body cell mass during weight loss. However, they found that increasing protein intake during fasting to maintain nitrogen balance almost completely eliminated hair loss. The data were derived from over 200 patients who lost approximately half a pound per day over periods ranging from 40 to 330 days. They concluded that hair loss is due to the low priority of hair growth for available protein when dietary and body protein are insufficient, rather than the rapidity of weight loss itself. They also noted that hair loss is restored with refeeding and repletion of body cell mass, suggesting that there are no long-term consequences on hair growth from rapid weight loss, even when associated with negative nitrogen balance. The clinicians can assess the impact of rapid weight loss on body cell mass by observing the degree of hair loss.