There are many expected and unexpected benefits of losing weight – smaller-sized clothes fitting better, improved lab profile, improved self esteem are just a few obvious ones from a whole bunch of amazing things that comes with slimming down. But there are a few side effects that can show up as well, especially when you have followed quick fixes or fad diets to shed the extra pounds; hair loss is one such downside. Along with weight loss, some people also notice extreme hair fall that can dampen their enthusiasm. Seeing clumps of hair going down the drain and bald patches can cause anxiety and social phobia in some cases, and that’s why it’s important to address the issue of hair fall, particularly with respect to weight loss. Extreme dieting can result in a condition called as acute telogen effluvium which can lead to severe hair fall that can last up to 6 months. Deficiency of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D can trigger such a condition, and that’s why while trying to drop a few kilos, you should make sure it’s a balanced diet that does not compromise on nutrients. Hair follicles need protein and other nutrients to grow, and when you compromise by cutting out nutritious food, it pushes hair to enter into the shedding phase (telogen) prematurely; even extreme stress can make this happen. The problem is that hair growth goes through a cycle and any treatment might take 3 to 6 months to show results, so it’s prudent to concentrate on follo...