Telogen Effluvium Associated With Weight Loss: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Telogen effluvium (TE) is characterized by diffuse hair loss following stressful events such as childbirth, prolonged surgery or anesthesia, and severe febrile illnesses, as well as intentional or unintentional rapid weight loss. However, literature regarding the relationship between TE and weight loss is limited.

To describe the clinical characteristics of TE induced by weight loss and assess their quantitative relationship.

This retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed with TE induced by weight loss in our institution, between June 2006 and March 2021. Information on age, sex, weight before weight loss, reduced weight, and weight loss period was collected.

This study enrolled 140 patients with TE, of whom 30 were men and 110 were women, with a mean age of 34.57±13.89 years. The mean weight loss percentage was 15.21±7.18% and mean weight loss rate was 3.54±2.85 kg/months. The mean weight loss rate in men (5.03±3.92 kg/month) was significantly faster than that in women (3.14±2.35 kg/month) (p=0.026). The mean weight loss percentage was mostly higher in 10's and became significantly smaller with age (p=0.004). There were no significant differences by the causes of weight loss.

TE induced by weight loss occurred at a mean weight loss percentage and mean weight loss rate of approximately 15.21% and 3.54 kg/months, respectively. Women and older adults are especially vulnerable to TE, even if the degree of weight loss is not more severe than in men and young adults.