Telogen Effluvium Associated with Weight Loss: A Single Center Retrospective Study

    January 2024 in “ Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology ”
    Da‐Hyun Kang, Soon Hyo Kwon, Woo‐Young Sim, Bark‐Lynn Lew
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    TLDR Weight loss can cause temporary hair loss, especially in women and older adults.
    This retrospective study of 140 patients (30 men, 110 women, average age 34.57) found that telogen effluvium (TE) can develop with a mean weight loss of 15.21% at a rate of 3.54 kg/month, typically starting 1.12 months post-weight loss and recovering in 4.83 months. Men lost weight faster than women (5.03 vs. 3.14 kg/month). Women and older adults are particularly vulnerable to TE from weight loss. The study suggests caloric restriction as a likely cause of TE and highlights the need to evaluate weight loss in patients with diffuse hair loss for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Limitations include its retrospective nature and potential recall bias.
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      community How much does diet affect hair loss?

      in Chat  45 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation suggests that changing diet and lifestyle has little to no effect on male pattern baldness (MPB), which is largely determined by genetics. Some individuals noted personal improvements in hair condition with healthier diets, but the consensus is that diet alone cannot prevent or reverse MPB.

      community Are carbohydrates needed for hair growth

      in Research/Science  26 upvotes 4 months ago
      A 47-year-old male experienced significant hair loss after losing 37 kg in 6 months on a low-carb diet and started taking biotin, zinc, iron, selenium, and spectral dcn-n. Replies suggest that while carbs are not directly needed for hair growth, they help regulate hormones and nutrient absorption, and rapid weight loss can also contribute to hair loss.

      community Here's why you don't assume you have TE, because you likely don't

      in Chat  49 upvotes 3 months ago
      TE (telogen effluvium) is often misunderstood and is triggered by severe stress or trauma, not minor daily inconveniences. Most hair loss cases are due to male pattern baldness (AGA), and treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride can help.

      community Why is it so hard to select one

      in Satire  642 upvotes 1 month ago
      Choosing hair loss treatments is challenging due to concerns about side effects from finasteride and minoxidil. Users suggest starting with topical treatments and gradually increasing dosage, while some recommend oral finasteride for its effectiveness despite potential side effects.

      community Hormones and hair loss (23F)

       6 upvotes 8 years ago
      The user is experiencing severe hair loss, possibly due to telogen effluvium, after stress, poor nutrition, and hormonal changes. They are using Nizoral and supplements but are considering hormonal treatments like spironolactone despite previous side effects.

      community What are some other causes of hair loss?

      in Chat  8 upvotes 3 months ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss causes beyond male pattern baldness, mentioning treatments like ketoconazole, zinc shampoo, and finasteride. Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is also suggested.

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