On your weight loss journey, watch out for these 3 challenges (with tips to tackle them)

Apurwa Agarwal, a certified nutritionist, took to Instagram to highlight three things you must watch out for on your fitness journey -- hair loss, stretch marks, and skin sagging. Here's how you can tackle these problems

Here are the 3 things to watch out for in your weight loss journey. (Source: Freepik)

Embarking on your long-awaited weight loss journey is an exciting venture, but it’s essential to be mindful of potential challenges that may arise. Apurwa Agarwal, a certified nutritionist, took to Instagram to highlight three things you must watch out for on your fitness journey — hair loss, stretch marks, and skin sagging.

To proactively address these issues, consider incorporating these key practices right from the start.

Hair loss

Hair fall during weight loss is a common concern linked to crash diets and potential nutrient deficiencies. (Source: Freepik)

On your weight loss journey, the possibility of experiencing hair fall is a common concern. “This phenomenon occurs when individuals attempt to compromise on their diet while shedding weight, leading to potential nutrient deficiencies. The compromise on essential nutrients, coupled with factors such as nutritional hormonal imbalances and stress induced by fasting or intense physical activities, can contribute to hair loss,” Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told indianexpress.com.

To combat hair loss, Agarwal recommends integrating hair supplements into your routine, which can play a protective role in preventing excessive hair loss during dieting. Individuals should also take a comprehensive blood test to assess vital indicators like vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and ferritin levels.

Further, to counteract this issue, it is crucial to avoid crash dieting, as it not only proves detrimental but also lacks sustainability in the long run. Additionally, Dr Lall advises regular thyroid check-ups to check conditions like hypothyroidism that can contribute to excessive weight and hair loss.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are essentially scars that become more noticeable when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity. Dr Lall said that stretch marks do not appear due to weight loss itself but become more evident as the skin adjusts to reduced dimensions.

When it comes to preventing and treating stretch marks, hydration is paramount. “Ensure you hydrate not only from within but also externally by moisturising your skin regularly. Consider massaging stretch-prone areas with coconut oil or mustard oil, as this can contribute to maintaining skin elasticity,” Agarwal noted.

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Apart from this, Dr Lall recommends using prescription-based creams that may improve their appearance, however, children or pregnant women should refrain from using these. Laser treatments, such as ResurFX, can also aid in lightening stretch marks.

Skin sagging

Preventing significant fluctuations in body size is advised to minimise sagging. (Source: Freepik)

Skin sagging during weight loss occurs when the skin has been stretched due to an increase in body size, and subsequent weight loss does not cause the skin to contract. Preventing significant fluctuations in body size is advised to minimise sagging.

Additionally, Agarwal advises daily exercise such as strength training, which plays a crucial role in toning the skin, aligning with your weight loss goals.

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While exercise can help to some extent, Dr Lall suggest treatments like High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) or radio frequency tightening to provide some skin tightening.