TLDR Hair loss after bariatric surgery is often due to iron and protein deficiencies.
The study assessed the relationship between nutritional symptoms and biological deficits in 555 subjects in the short term (≤1 year) and 494 in the long term (≥3 years) after bariatric surgery, specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). It found that hair loss was the most frequent nutritional symptom, linked to iron and protein deficiencies, with its prevalence decreasing from 65% in the short term to 35% in the long term. In contrast, the incidence of cramps and paresthesia increased over time, but no clear nutritional deficiencies were associated with these symptoms. The study highlighted the importance of monitoring iron and protein levels post-surgery to address hair loss, while the causes of other symptoms remained unclear.
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.
44 citations
,
May 2014 in “The American Surgeon” Low zinc and iron levels can predict hair loss after sleeve gastrectomy in women.
22 citations
,
August 2012 in “PubMed” Adequate zinc and iron intake may reduce hair loss after bariatric surgery.
15 citations
,
July 2011 in “Americanae (AECID Library)” Higher zinc intake may reduce hair loss after bariatric surgery.
240 citations
,
February 2005 in “Diabetes Care” Patients need long-term care after bariatric surgery to manage potential nutritional and metabolic issues.
70 citations
,
June 2010 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
146 citations
,
September 2013 in “Advances in nutrition” Bariatric surgery can cause serious mineral deficiencies, requiring better patient education and monitoring.
4 citations
,
January 2023 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Zinc is important for skin health, and supplements can help treat various skin and hair disorders, but more research is needed for conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
February 2024 in “Medicina-lithuania” Obesity and bariatric surgery can cause hair thinning and temporary hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies and stress.
