Expert: Joanne - 8/9/2008

Question
Hi,
Last spring I developed an eating disorder and dropped almost 20 pounds through extremely restrictive dieting. At the same time, I went vegan, although I didn't make that decision as an intention to lose weight. Over the summer I've gained back about 10 pounds and, quite honestly, I feel rather rotten. I've also started losing my hair, which worries me a lot (I'm deathly scared of it being permanent). I've had a few bingeing and purging episodes lately, although that's only been the past few days. I'm trying to understand why things like hair loss didn't start happening until I started regaining, since I've read that it usually occurs during. This problem, in addition to feeling pretty fat from my weight gain, make me feel like everything is going wrong and I'll never get better. Pretty depressing, huh. I could really use some help/reassurance--my problems have led me to become somewhat antisocial and irritable. Thanks!


Answer
Lauren

Hair loss can be due to the eating problems, can be hormonal, or due to stress.  If you are really stressing about the weight gain, there is a chance that this has been enough to cause the hair loss, or it could be your eating patterns.

If you are following a vegan diet, it is important to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients that you need.  I would possibly try to visit a nutritionist or dietician to get more advice on how best to follow a vegan diet!

I would recommend also visiting a Dr.  I would have them check for any other possible causes of your hair loss, but also try to be referred somewhere for treatment for the eating disorder!

Joanne