HAIR thinning is often associated with getting older. As much as the process of ageing can factor into the loss of hair for some, it isn’t the only cause. Scientists have found that obesity can lead to hair thinning as well. Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered that both obesity and eating a high-fat diet can result in the depletion of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Instead of forming new hair follicles, the cells begin to differentiate into keratinized skin cells. Essentially, this blocks hair follicle regeneration which contributes to the loss of hair follicles. When a high-fat diet is mentioned by this study, it’s important to note that not all fatty foods are going to see you lose your hair. There is a difference between saturated fats, which we find in things like cooking oil, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which we can get from foods like oily fish. Lead author of the study Hironobu Moringa said, “A high-fat diet accelerates hair thinning by depleting HFSCs that replenish mature cells that grow hair.” The team of researchers even recorded increased oxidative stress and signs of epidermal differentiation (bald patches) in older mice within just four days of eating a high fat diet. Although the research was done on mice, it lines up with previous, human-focused research which found hair loss was consistent with nutrient deficiency. People eating a well-rounded, healthy diet don’t tend to be overweight, which is a big contributor to hair thinning according to the Tokyo study. There are plenty of ways to begin lowering your fat intake and lose weight in the process. As mentioned before, there are good and bad fats, so this doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals altogether. The way you choose to cook certain foods can be a simple and healthy fix. For example, heating a steak on a grill will drain out a good amount of excess fat and prevent the need for lots of fatty butter while cooking. Another way to reduce your intake of unhealthy fatty foods could involve trialing a vegan diet. Our hair is made of protein, so eating a high-protein diet helps our hair stay strong and healthy. Eggs, nuts, beans, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken and turkey are all protein-rich foods. (SD-Agencies) | 