HAIR LOSS AFTER OBESITY SURGERY
The prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world and has become an important public health problem in many countries. Surgical treatment for obese patients is an accepted treatment strategy all over the world. Hair loss is a common complication after bariatric surgery. Studies have shown that approximately half (57%) of patients have hair loss after bariatric surgery. It is usually seen between 3-6 months after surgery. Hair loss does not usually cause a serious illness and does not result in permanent baldness; may cause unnecessary stress in patients and affect the patient’s mental health, self-esteem and quality of life.
Although the cause is not known exactly, it has been seen to be associated with some conditions and vitamin-mineral deficiencies.
• Protein loss in the postoperative period
• Extreme weight loss
• Catabolic stress due to surgery
• Psychological stress
Can contribute to hair loss.
There may be a decrease in the absorption of some vitamins and minerals after bariatric surgery. It has been observed that these deficiencies may also be related to hair loss.
It has been observed that hair loss is more common in patients with low zinc, folic acid and ferritin levels.
No significant correlation was observed between low vitamin B12 and iron levels, which are common, and hair loss.
Hair loss is more common, especially in young women. The reason for this may be due to the fact that women have longer hair, so their requirements are higher. In addition, young women may report hair loss more frequently due to aesthetic concerns.
Patients who experience hair loss after bariatric surgery should be provided with at least 30 mg of zinc-containing vitamins per day.
Wen Zhang, Meiling Fan, Cunchuan Wang, Kamal Mahawar, Chetan Parmar, Weiju Chen, Wah Yang, Global Bariatric Research Collaborative. Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Obes Surg 2021 Jun;31(6):2649-2659. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05311-2. Epub 2021 Mar 5.
