Hair loss occurs constantly, at a rate of about 50 to 100 hairs a day, according to the Mayo Clinic, a number that normally isn't noticeable considering the average person has about 100,000 hairs on his head. Hair loss occurs for a variety of reasons, including severe weight loss or eating disorders.
Type
Hair loss related to eating disorders occurs when hair prematurely enters the resting stage, before the hair would normally fall out. This type of hair loss, called telogen effluvium, often follows physical or emotional shock to a person's system, including sudden or excessive weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Within a few months, the hair follicles usually recover and hair starts growing again, although it may take months for all the hair to grow back, the Mayo Clinic states.
Timing
Hair loss from telogen effluvium normally occurs around two months after the initial "shock " to the system, when as much as 70 percent of hair may fall out, according to the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology. Hair loss actually occurs when new hair begins to grow, pushing the "old" hair out of the follicles. Fine new hairs may grow along the hairline when new hair begins to grow, the same site adds.
Causes
Nutritional deficiencies occur when a person takes in too few calories and the body goes into starvation mode. A lack of protein in the diet results in the hair loss, the AOCD states. Inadequate iron stores and lack of minerals and vitamins also contribute to hair loss, the Mayo Clinic states.
Treatment
There's no effective treatment for hair loss related to eating disorders. However, improving protein intake will help prevent further hair loss in the future.
Concerns
Taking vitamin supplements can't prevent hair loss from sudden or severe weight loss, the American Hair Loss Council warns. In fact, taking supplements that contain high levels of vitamin A may accelerate hair loss, the same site reports. While losing handfuls of hair can be frightening, it can serve as a warning sign that eating disorders are affecting the body's nutritional levels and that a change in diet is required. Hair loss from eating disorders can be reversed by improving the diet.
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