Like many women all over the world, I have struggled with carrying excess weight for many years. As I get older, it becomes harder and harder to get rid of it. I remember when I was in my late 20s and was able to drop 5 lbs in a week’s time in order to get ready for a date for the weekend. Years later, I became attached to my Fitbit tracker. I strived to reach my 10,000 daily steps and on a good week, to win whatever challenge I participated in.
And then, it all came to an end. I began to have foot pain. It started as a low ache and it became a horrid pain problem. Before I knew it, I could hardly walk. I no longer was able to wear heels, wedges or sandals. My life revolved around my Brooks tennis shoes. Slowly, I gained my weight back and eventually ended doing physical therapy, getting cortisol shots and essentially praying every morning that my plantar fasciitis would not act up and allow me to just make it through the day.
Time went by, and I ended up with knee pain along with the foot pain. My life was in shambles, or at least that’s how it felt to me. I felt powerless to lose weight. I was becoming desperate seeing my face and body get bigger an heavier. Every month I added a couple of pounds and every month I hated myself a little more. Life was increasingly difficult, just the thought of going up the stairs at home was enough for me to dread the out of breath experience that was sure to follow the climb.
Eventually in October 2018, out of desperation, I began an intensive weight loss plan that included exercise and a drastic cut in calories. I was invited by one of my best friends to try it out and I liked it, I was amazed at the fact that my foot was not hurting as much after the workouts and that it was something that I could really do. I just knew this was the perfect way to lose weight. So, I joined the program and became physically active again. I was working out 5 times per week and was consuming about 1200 calories daily. I was restricted to eating complex carbs, lean protein and greens. No fats, absolutely no fats. No avocado, nuts, dairy or any oils. I was fine with this restriction because you know, I was losing weight and all so it was worth it.
In a matter of 12 weeks I lost over 38 pounds! I was excited and so happy to see my clothes fitting lose and big. I still am happy for the weight loss, however, I also regret doing this in such a drastic manner. I did not only lose much of my excess weight but also much of my hair. And I do mean, much of my hair. It has thinned out so much it hurts me to look at it. I don’t even want to brush it, wash it or even touch it for fear of losing a few more precious strands. Even though I was a heavy woman, I was fairly healthy. Labs were good and immune system was good. My family does not have a history of hair loss, so what is the problem? After reading several articles online, I have come to the conclusion that the rapid weight loss is the culprit. The caloric restriction and lack of fats has severely affected my hair growth. The good news is that I can help my hair by eating a nutritious diet and possibly taking vitamins.
I will now incorporate lots of veggies, fruits, complex carbs and healthy fats to my diet. I am still working out 5 times a week at the same gym where I began my weight loss journey but now, I will change my diet to what my body needs in order to function properly. I don’t regret dropping my weight the way I did, I only regret not paying attention to my hair before it got to where it is today. I am now on a path to help and nourish my hair growth.
Now that I know better, I will do better. Remember, if you are on a path to lose weight, do it right and do it responsibly. Feed your body with good foods and vitamins. We only have one body, one life. Lets take care of it.
With luv,
ThatMrsjones
Excessive Weight Loss & Hair Loss: Is There a Link?
MJ Jones' Life 