TLDR Many people experience hair loss after weight loss surgery, especially younger women, and it's linked to lower levels of zinc, folic acid, and ferritin.
The systematic review and meta-analysis, which included 18 studies with a total of 2,538 participants, found that hair loss after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a common complication, with an incidence rate of 57% (95% CI 42–71%). The likelihood of experiencing hair loss decreased over time following the surgery. The analysis also revealed that hair loss was significantly more prevalent in younger women. Additionally, lower serum levels of zinc, folic acid, and ferritin were associated with an increased risk of hair loss post-MBS, while serum iron and vitamin B12 levels did not show a significant association. The study suggests that further prospective research with larger cohorts is necessary to understand this complication better.
134 citations,
December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
13 citations,
July 2018 in “Obesity surgery” Over half of patients had hair loss after weight-loss surgery, especially women, linked to low zinc and vitamin B12 levels.
63 citations,
May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.
23 citations,
February 2017 in “Journal of dermatology” Low serum levels of zinc and selenium may increase the risk of alopecia areata.
14 citations,
January 2015 in “ABCD” The surgery effectively promoted and maintained weight loss in obese women during the first year.
207 citations,
April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Iron deficiency may be related to hair loss, but there's not enough evidence to recommend iron screening or supplements for all hair loss patients.
December 2018 in “Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences” Many Chinese patients lose hair after weight loss surgery, especially women, and taking iron and zinc on their own doesn't help.
July 2024 in “Brazilian Journal of Clinical Medicine and Review” Hair loss after bariatric surgery is common due to nutrient deficiencies and rapid weight loss.
February 2024 in “Medicina-lithuania” Obesity and bariatric surgery can cause hair thinning and temporary hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies and stress.
1 citations,
March 2023 in “Nutrients” The conclusion is that obesity should be managed with a slow, balanced approach to diet and exercise, with medication and surgery as additional options, and education and access to care are important.
247 citations,
August 2011 in “European Journal of Epidemiology” The Rotterdam Study updated its design and objectives in 2012, providing insights into various diseases in the elderly, including skin cancer, bone health, liver disease, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and respiratory issues.
