Intermittent fasting, a popular weight-loss method that restricts eating to certain hours, may also lead to hair loss, according to a recent study. Researchers found that mice subjected to intermittent fasting experienced slower hair regeneration compared to those with constant access to food.
The study, published in the journal Cell, suggests that intermittent fasting inhibits hair growth because it causes hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. When HFSCs are unable to cope with the oxidative stress associated with switching from glucose to fat, they die, leading to slower hair regrowth.
The study’s senior author, Bing Zhang, said that while the results suggest a link between intermittent fasting and hair loss, larger studies are needed to fully understand the process. “The human population is very heterogeneous, so the effects might be different for different people,” he noted.
The benefits of intermittent fasting, such as weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, have made it a popular diet globally. However, other studies have linked it to negative outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and sleep disruption. The recent study adds hair loss to this list, highlighting the importance of carefully considering the potential risks and benefits of intermittent fasting before adopting it.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/intermittent-fasting-hair-loss-9725849