The Medifast diet is a meal replacement plan that fits the description of an extreme diet. The University of Maryland Medical Center defines this type of diet as one that allows you less than 1100 calories per day. Medifast, with an average calorie intake of between 800 to 1,000 calories per day, definitely qualifies. Because extreme diets often do not provide adequate nutrition, side effects ranging from mild to severe can develop. One side effect that Medifast addresses directly is hair loss.
Identification
Under normal circumstances, your hair undergoes a continuous cycle of growth, resting and shedding. At any one time, about 10 percent of your hair is in a resting phase that lasts about two to three months, after which shedding takes place. This cycle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, accounts for the 50 to 100 hairs you normally shed each day. The type of hair loss associated with Medifast occur when certain factors cause too much hair to enter the resting phase at one time, resulting in excessive shedding before new hair is ready to take its place.
Causes
Poor nutrition and rapid weight loss can cause a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in the number of hairs you shed each day. Decreased levels of iron, zinc, magnesium, protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B and D can trigger this increase, as well as weight loss of 20 or more lbs. in a short period. As this relates to Medifast, it appears, according to information the company provides, potential exists to develop deficiencies in essential fatty acids and vitamin B. In addition, the company states that an average weight loss is 2 to 5 lbs. per week, or eight to 20 lbs. per month, while user testimonials provide even higher weight loss amounts.
Prevention/Solution
Medifast recommends that if hair loss occurs you first increase your fluid intake to 64 oz. of water each day. Second, take a B-complex vitamin supplement, fish oil, flaxseed oil or 1 to 2 tbsp. of olive or canola oil each day. Once you stop taking Medifast and return to a normal diet, the length of time it takes for your hair to fill in depends on your hair growth cycle. It could take as little as two to six months, says "Wall Street Journal" writer Tara Parker-Pope, or it could take up to two years.
Considerations
If hair loss occurs after taking Medifast and you choose to take a recommended supplement, it is important to understand that this may not solve your problem. The American Hair Loss Council states that when rapid weight loss is the cause of hair loss, vitamins do not work.
Warning
Talk to your doctor before making a decision to take Medifast. Very low-calorie diets can have a wide variety of side effects in addition to hair loss. Other effects Medifast lists include leg cramps, dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue, changes in your menstrual cycle and headaches. You may also find it difficult to stay warm, have problems with flatulence, diarrhea or constipation and bad breath.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: How Many Calories Should You Cut?
- Medifast: Common Questions
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Loss and Hair Restoration
- Medifast Media: Potential Symptoms and Side Effects
- Post Gazette: Changes in Diet Can Sometimes Lead to Hair Loss; "The Wall Street Journal"
- American Hair Loss Council: Female Pattern Hair Loss
Member Comments