Sports & Nutrition: Miscellaneous / Question
Published: May 6, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 15 year old female. Last year, I went on a diet plan and have lost 25 pouds since then. I have been having a lot of problems with my hair. It's been falling out and breaking a lot. I look at pictures of myself before I lost the weight and realize how much hair I've really lost. People say that it's because I've lost so much body fat and that it's because I'm not eating enough fat and protein. Is there any way I can keep my hair from breaking so much and restore it to the fullness it once was? Please help!!! P.S. I'm also a bulimic, but have already told my parents about it. Does throwing up cause hair loss too?
Signed: Hair Loss From Weight Loss
Dear Hair Loss From Weight Loss,
Severe weight loss and poor nutrition can definitely cause your hair to fall out. Your hair needs a certain amount of protein, vitamins and minerals to grow. When you are not eating enough of these substances your hair does not have the right nutrients to help it grow. So, it becomes dry and brittle and ultimately falls out. While throwing up itself does not directly cause your hair to fall out, the fact that you are not taking in enough essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can definitely attribute to hair loss.
In general, eating a healthy diet should give you the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your hair needs to grow and stay strong. In general, hair loss occurs when your diet is inadequate in the B vitamins, especially B6, biotin, inositol, niacin and folic acid, and the minerals magnesium, sulfur and zinc. These things are all found in healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. In addition, anemia, or low iron in the body, can also cause hair loss. Iron-rich foods include red meat, beans, dried fruit and many cereals.
It is a good idea for you to figure out your appropriate height and weight and make sure that you are not too thin. In addition, it is important for you to get help with your bulimia. Chances are, once that gets under control, the condition of your hair will improve. If you live in northern New Jersey, you can also get help at the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health System at (908) 522.5757; check out our links section to find resources outside of this area.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A sexually active teenager who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. 
