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7 Surprising Truths About Male Baldness I Discovered After Shaving My Head

A nutritionist's personal journey reveals shocking insights about hair loss.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Derek_Simnett6
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Hair loss is a journey many men dread, yet it's one that countless individuals face as they age. For Derek Simnett, a 40-year-old Certified Nutritional Practitioner specializing in vegan nutrition, the decision to shave his head led to unexpected revelations about male baldness. His experience, combined with research and expert opinions, sheds light on this common yet often misunderstood condition. Here are surprising truths about male baldness that Simnett uncovered during his journey.


Male Baldness Is Becoming More Common, Especially in Younger Men

Simnett's initial suspicion that more men are experiencing hair loss these days wasn't just in his head. Leonora Doclis, senior trichologist at The Belgravia Centre, confirms this trend: "I'd say at least 3 in 5 of our clients are in their early 20s. The statistics indicate that the average age that a man starts to experience hair loss is declining, and the number of those affected is growing."

This aligns with what Simnett found in his research. "By the time men hit 30 years old, 25 to 30% will experience some hair loss, and by the time Caucasian men hit 50 years old, over one-half of them are going to experience hair loss," he discovered. The American Hair Loss Association provides even more stark numbers, stating that by age 35, two-thirds of American men will experience noticeable hair loss.

It's Not Just About Genetics

While Simnett learned that genetics play a significant role in male pattern baldness, he was surprised to find that other factors contribute as well. "It's actually how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT," he explains. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is converted from testosterone and can cause hair follicles to shrink in genetically predisposed individuals.

However, the American Hair Loss Association points out that while "Androgenetic alopecia, also known as common male pattern baldness (MPB), is responsible for over 95% of hair loss in men," other factors are at play too.

Stress Is a Major Hair Loss Culprit

One of the most surprising discoveries for Simnett was the significant role stress plays in hair loss. Hair replacement specialists note, "Information gathered from young adults shows that higher levels of stress are actually found in younger generations when compared to older ones. This connection between age and stress can be magnified when issues are caused by loneliness, isolation, and feeling the need to maintain hair in the most popular styles."

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

Diet Matters More Than You Think

As a nutritionist, Simnett was particularly intrigued by the dietary factors affecting hair loss. "Soy has been attributed to hair growth in a number of studies. It seems that the phytoestrogens in them are able to bind to the DHT, not allowing it to affect the sensitive hair follicles," he found in his research.

Experts also point out that nutritional deficiencies in zinc, iron, vitamin D, and protein have all been found to cause thinning hair. This underscores the importance of a well-balanced diet, regardless of dietary preferences.

Environmental Factors May Be Contributing to Hair Loss

In his investigation, Simnett stumbled upon a surprising potential cause of hair loss: "I also started to wonder if it isn't some environmental factors like our increased exposure to microplastics and BPAs that aren't causing an increase in hair loss in younger people." While more research is needed, there's growing concern about how our modern environment affects our health, including our hair.

RELATED:Gillian Ferguson Flaunts Tiny Waist and Reveals 3 Things That Will “Speed Up Fat Loss” That You Probably Aren’t Doing

The Science Behind DHT and Hair Loss

During his research, Simnett delved deeper into the biological mechanisms of hair loss. He learned that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) plays a crucial role. "It's actually how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT," he explains. "Testosterone converts to DHT through an enzyme called alpha-five reductase. And when DHT is high, and our hair follicles are genetically predisposed to being sensitive to DHT, what happens is they start to shrink, the hair gets thinner and finer and eventually that hair follicle will die, and the hair falls out."

This understanding opened his eyes to why some treatments work, and others don't. It's all about managing DHT levels or reducing hair follicle sensitivity to DHT.

Natural Remedies Can Be Effective

Simnett also discovered some natural DHT inhibitors during his research. "Stinging nettle is one of them, and fenugreek seeds are another," he found. These natural options provide alternatives for those looking to address hair loss without resorting to pharmaceutical treatments.

The Creatine Conundrum

As someone who has used creatine supplements in the past, Simnett was particularly interested in its potential effects on hair loss. "There was one study that came out that showed that creatine supplementation does increase DHT production in males," he discovered. However, the evidence isn't conclusive, and more research is needed.

His advice? "If you're taking creatine and you feel like it might be causing some hair loss, well then just stop taking it. I don't think that's a worthwhile side effect to go through just for some extra muscles or recovery."

RELATED:14 Walking Mistakes Sabotaging Your Weight Loss That Experts Urge You to Stop

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Hair Health

Throughout his journey, Simnett realized that overall lifestyle plays a significant role in hair health. As one source explains, "Lifestyle-related or oxidative stress is also known to cause male pattern baldness in young men. Starting university, regular lack of sleep and extreme exercise regimes all strain the body causing detrimental effects on the hair cycle growth."

He found that simple habits can make a difference. "Not smoking, not being too stressed out, getting good sleeping habits, making sure you're eating enough protein, that sort of stuff," are all important factors in maintaining hair health.

The Practical Side of Going Bald

After making the decision to shave his head, Simnett quickly learned about the practical aspects of maintaining a bald look. "It does take quite a bit of upkeep, and this is something that has taken some getting used to," he admits. He found that investing in the right tools makes a big difference. "I went and bought this thing off of Amazon, and this is specific for shaving your head, and it has actually been so good. It makes it really quick and easy, and it actually sucks up all the hair into the head of it so it doesn't go all over the bathroom."

RELATED: Trish Koeslag Pops the Lid on 2 “Dieting Myths” That Kept Her From Losing 15 Pounds

Embracing Baldness Can Be Empowering

Perhaps the most surprising truth Simnett discovered was how empowering it can be to embrace baldness. After shaving his head, he experienced an unexpected boost in confidence. "I definitely feel more confident, keep my head up a little higher and my chest higher. And it sort of just feels like, 'Hey world, this is me. I've got nothing to hide here I am,'" he realized.

For those considering taking the plunge, Simnett received this advice that he now passes on: "If I can give you some advice as a bald guy to someone who's kind of thinking about shaving their head and he's not happy with their hair anymore, he said, just do it. He's like, I guarantee you're going to like it and you can always grow it back if you don't." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Hair loss is a journey many men dread, yet it's one that countless individuals face as they age. For Derek Simnett, a 40-year-old Certified Nutritional Practitioner specializing in vegan nutrition, the decision to shave his head led to unexpected revelations about male baldness. His experience, combined with research and expert opinions, sheds light on this common yet often misunderstood condition. Here are surprising truths about male baldness that Simnett uncovered during his journey.


Male Baldness Is Becoming More Common, Especially in Younger Men

Simnett's initial suspicion that more men are experiencing hair loss these days wasn't just in his head. Leonora Doclis, senior trichologist at The Belgravia Centre, confirms this trend: "I'd say at least 3 in 5 of our clients are in their early 20s. The statistics indicate that the average age that a man starts to experience hair loss is declining, and the number of those affected is growing."

This aligns with what Simnett found in his research. "By the time men hit 30 years old, 25 to 30% will experience some hair loss, and by the time Caucasian men hit 50 years old, over one-half of them are going to experience hair loss," he discovered. The American Hair Loss Association provides even more stark numbers, stating that by age 35, two-thirds of American men will experience noticeable hair loss.

It's Not Just About Genetics

While Simnett learned that genetics play a significant role in male pattern baldness, he was surprised to find that other factors contribute as well. "It's actually how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT," he explains. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is converted from testosterone and can cause hair follicles to shrink in genetically predisposed individuals.

However, the American Hair Loss Association points out that while "Androgenetic alopecia, also known as common male pattern baldness (MPB), is responsible for over 95% of hair loss in men," other factors are at play too.

Stress Is a Major Hair Loss Culprit

One of the most surprising discoveries for Simnett was the significant role stress plays in hair loss. Hair replacement specialists note, "Information gathered from young adults shows that higher levels of stress are actually found in younger generations when compared to older ones. This connection between age and stress can be magnified when issues are caused by loneliness, isolation, and feeling the need to maintain hair in the most popular styles."

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

Diet Matters More Than You Think

As a nutritionist, Simnett was particularly intrigued by the dietary factors affecting hair loss. "Soy has been attributed to hair growth in a number of studies. It seems that the phytoestrogens in them are able to bind to the DHT, not allowing it to affect the sensitive hair follicles," he found in his research.

Experts also point out that nutritional deficiencies in zinc, iron, vitamin D, and protein have all been found to cause thinning hair. This underscores the importance of a well-balanced diet, regardless of dietary preferences.

Environmental Factors May Be Contributing to Hair Loss

In his investigation, Simnett stumbled upon a surprising potential cause of hair loss: "I also started to wonder if it isn't some environmental factors like our increased exposure to microplastics and BPAs that aren't causing an increase in hair loss in younger people." While more research is needed, there's growing concern about how our modern environment affects our health, including our hair.

RELATED:Gillian Ferguson Flaunts Tiny Waist and Reveals 3 Things That Will “Speed Up Fat Loss” That You Probably Aren’t Doing

The Science Behind DHT and Hair Loss

During his research, Simnett delved deeper into the biological mechanisms of hair loss. He learned that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) plays a crucial role. "It's actually how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT," he explains. "Testosterone converts to DHT through an enzyme called alpha-five reductase. And when DHT is high, and our hair follicles are genetically predisposed to being sensitive to DHT, what happens is they start to shrink, the hair gets thinner and finer and eventually that hair follicle will die, and the hair falls out."

This understanding opened his eyes to why some treatments work, and others don't. It's all about managing DHT levels or reducing hair follicle sensitivity to DHT.

Natural Remedies Can Be Effective

Simnett also discovered some natural DHT inhibitors during his research. "Stinging nettle is one of them, and fenugreek seeds are another," he found. These natural options provide alternatives for those looking to address hair loss without resorting to pharmaceutical treatments.

The Creatine Conundrum

As someone who has used creatine supplements in the past, Simnett was particularly interested in its potential effects on hair loss. "There was one study that came out that showed that creatine supplementation does increase DHT production in males," he discovered. However, the evidence isn't conclusive, and more research is needed.

His advice? "If you're taking creatine and you feel like it might be causing some hair loss, well then just stop taking it. I don't think that's a worthwhile side effect to go through just for some extra muscles or recovery."

RELATED:14 Walking Mistakes Sabotaging Your Weight Loss That Experts Urge You to Stop

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Hair Health

Throughout his journey, Simnett realized that overall lifestyle plays a significant role in hair health. As one source explains, "Lifestyle-related or oxidative stress is also known to cause male pattern baldness in young men. Starting university, regular lack of sleep and extreme exercise regimes all strain the body causing detrimental effects on the hair cycle growth."

He found that simple habits can make a difference. "Not smoking, not being too stressed out, getting good sleeping habits, making sure you're eating enough protein, that sort of stuff," are all important factors in maintaining hair health.

The Practical Side of Going Bald

After making the decision to shave his head, Simnett quickly learned about the practical aspects of maintaining a bald look. "It does take quite a bit of upkeep, and this is something that has taken some getting used to," he admits. He found that investing in the right tools makes a big difference. "I went and bought this thing off of Amazon, and this is specific for shaving your head, and it has actually been so good. It makes it really quick and easy, and it actually sucks up all the hair into the head of it so it doesn't go all over the bathroom."

RELATED: Trish Koeslag Pops the Lid on 2 “Dieting Myths” That Kept Her From Losing 15 Pounds

Embracing Baldness Can Be Empowering

Perhaps the most surprising truth Simnett discovered was how empowering it can be to embrace baldness. After shaving his head, he experienced an unexpected boost in confidence. "I definitely feel more confident, keep my head up a little higher and my chest higher. And it sort of just feels like, 'Hey world, this is me. I've got nothing to hide here I am,'" he realized.

For those considering taking the plunge, Simnett received this advice that he now passes on: "If I can give you some advice as a bald guy to someone who's kind of thinking about shaving their head and he's not happy with their hair anymore, he said, just do it. He's like, I guarantee you're going to like it and you can always grow it back if you don't." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Thinning hair can cause a lot of stress (and stress can cause thinning hair, which is a terrible chicken-and-egg situation). Whether your hair is thinning because of genetics or from lifestyle factors (for example postpartum hair loss, overly processed hair) certain hairstyles can unfortunately make it worse. Luckily there are ways to disguise hair loss while hair is improving—here are five looks to avoid at all costs if you want to repair and restore your thinning hair.


Tight Ponytails

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Tight ponytails can put a lot of stress on hair and cause breakage. “Every once in a while, it’s OK to wear your hair tightly pulled back, but you want to avoid wearing a tightly pulled hairstyle every day,” says the American Academy of Dermatology. “The constant pulling can cause strands of your hair to break or fall out. In time, the continuous pulling can damage your hair follicles. If you damage your hair follicles, your hair cannot grow back, so you develop permanent hair loss.”

RELATED: I Lost my First 25 Pounds by Walking

Wet Buns

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Wet buns can cause breakage to already thinning hair, exacerbating the problem. "When you tie your hair back it stretches up to a third of its length causing tension breakage," stylist Rob Reeves tells Vidal Sassoon Australia. “So make sure it’s pretty dry before putting it up. You might want to rethink that wet hair bun next time. Certainly not an option for anyone with fine fragile hair. And don’t sleep with wet hair – again it will cause tangles and breakage and stretch your hair.”

Hair That’s Too Long

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Having a long style can make thinning hair worse, experts say. “In general, if you have finer hair, don't grow it too long,” hairstylist Neil Moodie tells Harper’s Bazaar. “The longer it gets, the weaker the hair gets and so it can tend to look lank, straggly and not healthy. Instead, focus on creating layers within shorter styles, to get a bit more height. I wouldn't recommend really short layers though because they can highlight the fineness of the hair.”

Tight Braids and Weaves

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Tight braids and weaves may cause an irreversible baldness called Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). “Traction alopecia (baldness) is caused by chronic traction (pulling) on the hair follicle and is seen most commonly in African-American females associated with tight braiding or cornrow hair styles,” according to Michigan State University’s Women’s Health Research Institute. “It is generally present along the hairline. Men who attach hairpieces to their existing hair can experience this type of permanent hair loss if the hairpiece is attached in the same location over a long period of time.”

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Middle Parts

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If you have thinning hair, the middle part is unfortunately not your friend as it accentuates the hair loss. “With a middle part your hair tends to frame the entire expanse of your face. Middle parts therefore make a round face appear even rounder,” according to Schwarzkopf. “They are also decidedly unhelpful if you like to hide some lines or wrinkles around the eyes and on your forehead. Wavy or curly hair looks great with a middle part, while straight and thin hair tends to look stringy rather than sleek.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you have fine or thinning hair, avoid excessively long styles, which can make it appear limp and unhealthy. Instead, opt for shorter, layered cuts to create volume and movement.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Sometimes, people focus so much on losing weight that they don’t even think about what happens after. Caroline Mabeus (@carolineefitness25) is a social media influencer and weight loss warrior who has lost over 80 pounds “naturally,” sharing her health journey with her hundreds of thousands of followers. “I lost 81 pounds in one year. And I'm gonna tell you things that happen when you lose 81 pounds that nobody tells you,” she says at the start of the TikTok clip.


You Will Look Like a Different Person

@carolineefitness25

What its like to lose 81 lbs #weightloss #howtoloseweight #weightlossmotivation #highprotein #weightlosstiktok #fatlosstips #caloriedeficit #portioncontrol #fitness #fittok #100lbsdown #weightlossprogress #fatlosstips #fitness #losingweight #weightlosstransformation

“First of all, nobody tells you you're gonna look like a totally different person,” Caroline reveals. “The amount of people that tell me that they don't recognize me now at 118 pounds versus 200 pounds is insane.”

You Will Have Loose Skin

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“You cannot control the loose skin. You're gonna get loose skin. It's inevitable,” Caroline continues. “I don't have a ton, but you can't beat yourself up about it because you can't change it. There is nothing you can do to prevent it.”

You Will Gain Confidence

@carolineefitness25

Dont ever give up ❤️ #weightlosscheck #howtoloseweight #weightlosstiktok #fittok #100lbsdown #caloriedeficit #intermittentfasting #tipsforweightloss #weightloss #weightlossprogress #80lbsdown #weightlosstransformation #glowupchallenge #watchmeloseweight #losingweight #weightlosschallenge #weightlosscheck

“I'm the most confident I've ever been,” Carolina says. “It doesn't mean I don't have loose skin, it doesn't mean I have a perfect body, but weight loss has given me confidence that I didn't even know existed.”

Your Voice Will Change

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“My voice is completely different, less breathy,” Caroline says. She adds that she isn’t out of breath like she used to be “when I walk up and down the stairs.”

Your Breasts Might Be Saggy

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“Shaving my armpits is weird,” she says, noting that they “go in,” she says. “My tits are saggy, and that's okay. They're literally the majority of my loose skin.”

You Will See Parts of Your Body You Never Saw

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“Being able to see” part of your body you never saw is game-changing, she says. “Having a stomach in the way and never being able to be the weirdest thing in the entire world.”

RELATED: 15 Proven Strategies to Drop 2 Pounds a Week with Minimal Effort

You Will Fit Into Small Clothes

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A great change? Going clothes shopping. “It will never get old,” she reveals. “Trying on small clothes and having them fit you.”

People Will “Hate On You”

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“You're gonna get so much love and so much support on your weight loss journey, but you will also have people who are gonna hate on you,” she continues. “People are gonna hate on you at your heaviest, and they're gonna hate on you after you succeed and lose the weight too.”

Your Skin Might Break Out

You also might experience skin problems. “My hormones are balancing, and I have acne. See that bad boy right there? Yeah,” she says. Body temperature fluctuations are also likely, according to Caroline. “I'm cold 24/7,” she reveals in the clip.

RELATED: 8 Steps I Used to Stop Sugar Addiction and Drop 30 Pounds

It Might Hurt to Sit

Young woman touching her kidney in pain.Shutterstock

It might hurt to sit, she continues. “I can feel my tailbone when I sit,” she says. “It scared me the first time I felt it because I have never felt it.”

You Will Notice “Random Bones”

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“Same thing with collarbone and random bones,” Caroline says. “I'm like, what is that? Is that supposed to be there? Yes, it is. It's your bone.”

You Will “Glow and Thrive”

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Caroline adds that there are so many mental health benefits. “You are going to glow and thrive and be so happy, and you're going to be so grateful for the journey,” she says.

However, You Will Also Experience Negativity

Caroline admits that “it's going to be hard,” she says. “It's hard at my lowest weight. Even now, when dealing with some of the comments people have to say, telling me that I'm too skinny or that I looked better before,” she explains.

RELATED: 15 Simple Tricks to Shed 10 Pounds Every Month Without Strict Dieting

You Will Be Happier Than Ever

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“I still have bad days, and I'm still, you know, trying to get to know this new body,” Caroline admits. There are times I don't recognize myself. But most importantly, I've never been as happy or as confident as I am now.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Have you ever procrastinated on starting a fitness challenge, only to find yourself haunted by the thought of it? Meet Beatrice Caruso, a weight loss warrior who knows this struggle all too well. With her disarming blend of humor and honesty, Beatrice takes us on a journey through her experience with the viral 12-3-30 treadmill workout. From calf-cramping woes to unexpected knee discoveries, Beatrice's candid account invites readers to laugh, learn, and perhaps find the motivation to tackle their own fitness goals. Keep reading to follow Beatrice's three-week adventure and discover whether this trendy workout lives up to the hype.


What Is 12-3-30?

Beatrice explains, "Lauren Giraldo is a YouTuber. She typically does kind of lifestyle vlogs, and a while ago she went through a body transformation. She wanted to get healthier, she wanted to get more fit, but I don't want to tell her story and everything. I think she says it best and her video. Highly recommend. love her. As she was going through this body transformation, she came up with this challenge and it's a pretty straightforward concept and a lot of people started doing it. You just walk on a treadmill at a pace of three incline of 12 for 30 minutes, and in her video she said she did that five to six times a week."

My First Day: A Rude Awakening

"That is not easy, dude. … Oh man. I'm not conditioned for that kind of cardio anymore," Beatrice recounts. "For the past little while before this, I've just been walking on the treadmill. Nothing wrong with that, but walking uphill, it's such a steep climb. I don't know. 12 is steep. I'm not going to lie. Dying a little bit, very sweaty, very hot."

The Calf Conundrum

"I'm just going to let you know right now that walking at an incline of 12 is a special kind of [he-e-double-hockey-sticks]. It wouldn't be so bad. For the most part, my respiratory system has caught up. It doesn't feel as terrible on my lungs. However, my calves just keep getting tighter and tighter and I don't really know what to do about it," Beatrice shares.

RELATED:5 Fake Superfoods to Avoid and 5 Real Ones to Try

My Theory on Tight Calves

Beatrice theorizes, "When I was younger, I used to walk on my tiptoes everywhere. For years I would just be walking around in my tiptoes. So the equivalent of wearing heels in your developmental years. So I think that because when you're on your tiptoes, this is going to be a bad example, but when you're on your tiptoes, your calf is always contracted and then the front muscles extended how muscles work. But I have this theory that my calf muscle never fully lengthened."

The Unexpected Knee Discovery

"As I was trying to find interesting camera angles to make the monotony of the treadmill the slightest bit more interesting for you guys, I noticed something about my knees. It looked like baby heads, do they not? It looks like I was supposed to be triplets in the womb and I absorbed my siblings straight into my knee holes and they're just there now forever. Try to unsee it. I dare you," Beatrice humorously observes.

RELATED:I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months by Walking Every Day

My Calves Were Killing Me

"I didn't like it... I didn't like this challenge. For me personally, my calves killed me the entire time I was making up in the middle of the night with muscle spasms in my calves, which yeah, I would not have survived without rest days," Beatrice confesses. "And me saying that I didn't like the challenge is in no way, shape or form any kind of shade toward Lauren. She's absolutely amazing."

The Results

Beatrice shares her results: "When I began, I weighed in at 230.3 pounds and at the end of the 21 days, I now weigh 224.5 pounds. That means I lost 5.8 pounds during this challenge. Here are my beginning and ending measurements, and as you can see, I kind of lost everywhere on my body with the most loss coming from around my abdomen. Very happy about the two inches lost around my belly."

What I Saw in the Mirror

"So here we have the before and after pictures. I'm not seeing too much of a change, maybe in my face a little bit and maybe in my stomach, but otherwise, these look pretty identical," Beatrice notes. "And then we get to the side view, which is where I see the weight loss. Pretty significant change in my stomach. I'm very bloated in this one. I felt bloated that day. My double chin's kind of poking through. You can't really see it in this one because my shoulder's in the way, but it's a little less. But my definitely went down."

RELATED:I Tried Wegovy for a Year and Here's Why I'm Never Going Back

Closing Thoughts

Beatrice concludes, "Ultimately just happy in general for completing the challenge, getting it out of the way. Another box checked and now we can focus on other things, hopefully more enjoyable things. Hopefully not like me having a petty beef with a challenge, you know what I mean? Hopefully it's something that I want to do, but I digress." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Woman looking in the mirror and checking her hair.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Losing weight fast can seem like a dream come true. However, there are some negatives that come along with rapid weight loss you should consider before taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or going on a drastic diet. We asked some of the top doctors, plastic surgeons, and weight loss experts to reveal major side effects of rapid weight loss – via either the natural way or using weight loss drugs – to look out for.


Fat Deposits

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While losing weight reduces overall body fat, deposits still exist. “Treatments like Ozempic help with rapid weight loss, but fat still exists in a reduced size,” Vishal Verma, MD, Founder of Revive Med Spa, says, recommending treatments like CoolSculpting to help “eliminate the fat cells, furthering the long-term results.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Uneven Skin Tone or Texture

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There is also the appearance of uneven skin tone/texture with weight loss. “Stretch marks may become more apparent with weight loss, so resurfacing treatments can help even tone and texture for a more youthful, radiant glow,” says Dr. Verma. “

Hair Loss

Woman's hand holding hair strands fallen on a comb in close-upShutterstock

Hair loss can be a potential side effect of rapid weight loss. This is often due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, and hormonal changes that occur when the body loses weight quickly.

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Unplanned Pregnancies are Being Examined

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Losing weight can impact fertility. "Weight loss can generally be associated with increased fertility by restoring normal ovulation in people who have PCOS or other causes of abnormal cycles," said Dr. Daniel Drucker, a professor and researcher at the University of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital and a pioneer of research into GLP-1 in an interview with CNN.

Ileus

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Ileus, “which is a temporary condition where your intestine can't push food and waste out of your body, is an unofficial side effect due to the effects of slowing down the gut movement,” says Kylie Bensley, MS, RD and founder of Sulinu Nutrition. If you think you have this, she recommends seeking medical advice.

Muscle Loss

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Sue Decotiis, MD, NYC weight-loss doctor, notes that there are a few reasons why rapidly losing weight leads to muscle loss. “There are many people who lose muscle because they aren’t drinking enough water. Water intake is imperative. You really need to drink a lot of water when you’re burning that much fat. If you are not drinking enough water, your body won’t burn fat, and you’ll lose muscle,” she says. The other reason is losing weight rapidly, which often leads to losing muscle. To mitigate this, make sure to lift weights or do another form of muscle-strengthening exercise.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

More Self-Esteem

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A positive side effect? “I’ve seen a lot of positive effects on personality in my practice. When people lose weight, they have better self-esteem, and they feel more confident in their own skin,” says Dr. Decotiis. “I have people who were using sedatives for anxiety or depression, and then when they lost weight, they felt better and didn’t need them as much. My patient who has ADHD felt they had better focus and concentration.”

Eating Disorder Triggering

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If you have eating disorders in your history, rapidly losing weight can be triggering. “If there’s a history of an eating disorder, that’s when people can run into some problems. People who used food as a crutch and would go to food for comfort may miss food a lot because they used to get that dopamine hit from using food to make them feel better,” explains Dr. Decotiis. She recommends anyone who has struggled with these sorts of issues to work with a therapist while losing weight.

Decreased Libido

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Losing weight might impact your sex drive. “In the beginning, realize there’s a tremendous metabolic change going on in the body that can cause fatigue, and when someone is tired, their libido goes down. As time goes on and you lose more weight and feel better, libido will go back to normal because you’ll feel more confident and better without clothes on,” says Dr. Decotiis.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Saggy Skin

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According to Dr. Decotiis, some people are complaining about having a saggy butt, face, or loose skin after rapidly losing weight, which has to do with fat loss. “Your skin stretches when you gain weight, so when you lose a lot of weight, sometimes your skin doesn’t fully go back to normal,” she says. “Think of a woman who’s pregnant. When she has a baby, sometimes her stomach takes time to go back to how it was before.” One way to mitigate this effect is by weight training during the weight loss process. “Additionally, as you age, you have less elasticity in your skin, and you cannot produce as much collagen. Your skin bounces back better when you’re younger,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: After losing weight fast, make sure to lift weights or do another form of muscle-strengthening exercise to avoid losing muscle.

Do you find yourself struggling to look over your shoulder while driving? Maybe you're battling with that persistent ache between your shoulder blades after a long day at work, or you can't seem to reach overhead without discomfort. These are all telltale signs of reduced thoracic mobility – a common condition that's affecting more people than ever before.

Meet Liv, a mobility expert who's transformed not only her own upper back pain but also helped her 500K YouTube subscribers discover the power of mobility-based strength training. Through her innovative 'Yoga Rebel Method,' she combines strength training and yoga to create effective, accessible solutions for everyday mobility challenges.

"You may not even realize this, but chances are you have reduced mobility in your thoracic spine," Liv explains. "That can look like stiffness in the shoulders and struggling to lift your arms overhead, or perhaps a throbbing burning pain between your shoulder blades and towards your neck after a long day at the desk."

Why These Moves Matter

"Reduced thoracic mobility has been widely studied and shown to directly correlate to increased prevalence of upper back, shoulder, and neck pain," Liv shares in her post. Instead of waiting for pain to develop, she's developed three quick, beginner-friendly exercises that can make a significant difference in just five minutes.

The Game-Changing First Move: Thoracic Pullover

"This is by far my favorite because I found it to be the most effective," Liv reveals. "It's an absolute game changer for your overhead reach and your shoulder mobility." All you need is a light weight and either a yoga block or foam roller.

RELATED: Doctor Reveals 7 Real Signs Your Body Is Actually Burning Fat

Setting Up for Success

Proper setup is crucial for this exercise. "Position the foam roller or yoga block beneath your upper back right below the point where your shoulder blades end," Liv instructs. She emphasizes keeping your "knees bent and feet on the ground so that your lower back stays in a neutral position."

Perfect Your Pullover Form

"Take your weight lengthways into both hands and reach it up towards the sky," Liv guides. The movement should be controlled and mindful. "Think of reaching the weight backwards as opposed to downward here, as if you're trying to make your arms feel as long as they possibly can."

Avoid Common Mistakes

Liv points out a crucial form tip: "Your body will naturally want your belly to press forwards to make this move easier, but unfortunately less effective." Instead, she advises to "keep a slight bit of tension in your core here to keep your lower back in neutral." Remember, "Yours does not need to look the same as mine. This just depends on your range of motion."

Advanced Pullover Options

For those looking to progress, Liv suggests using an exercise bench: "You also have the option of dropping the hips lower than the chest as the arms extend to put a greater stretch on the lats and chase some bigger mobility gains." Start with 10 repetitions, focusing on quality over quantity.

The Power of Rotation

The second exercise targets rotational mobility – a crucial movement pattern that Liv explains has surprising benefits. "Not only does this range of motion make reversing the car much easier, but training your rotational mobility is going to improve your core strength, improve your lower back health, and is likely to improve your hip mobility as well."

Master the Twist

Lying on your side with knees bent at 90 degrees, extend your weighted arm toward the ceiling. "Allow that weight to keep traveling into the twist as far as your body is capable," Liv guides. "That might be all the way to the floor or it might not. Either is fine. Everyone is different."

RELATED: She Lost 45 Pounds By Adding These 6 High-Protein Foods to Her Cart

Progress Your Rotation

For those ready for more challenge, Liv offers a progression: "If your arm quite comfortably makes it all the way to the floor and this doesn't feel too challenging for you, do this exercise with the bottom leg slid out straight. This allows the top knee to drop to the floor, creating a deeper twist in the body." Take six repetitions on each side.

The Ultimate Doorway Stretch

The final exercise, which Liv describes as "so satisfying," requires only a doorway, pole, or wall. "I love this move for how many areas it targets all at once," she shares. This comprehensive stretch brings together all elements of thoracic mobility.

Perfect Your Stretch Position

Position yourself about a forearm's distance from your chosen surface. "Take your outer leg, the one furthest away from the wall, and cross it behind the other leg, placing down onto the knife edge of the foot," Liv instructs. Then, "reach up as far as you can with the arm furthest from the wall, then reach overhead to grab the frame or simply place your fingertips onto the wall."

RELATED: Coach Unveils 40-30-20 Method for Fat Burning and Muscle Building

Maximize the Stretch

The key to this stretch is in the details: "Use the bottom hand to press the wall away from you, allowing your body to lean away from the wall into a little bit of a banana shape." Liv explains that "the top hand grips and pulls back against the frame or the pole, and then think of turning your chest up towards the ceiling to really get into that side body stretch."

Creating Lasting Change

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds, repeating 2-3 times per side. As Liv confirms, "In just five minutes of these moves, you can make an impactful difference to your thoracic mobility and subsequently the quality of your life and how good you feel living within your body."

Transform your upper back mobility today with these simple yet powerful exercises. As Liv's experience shows, just five minutes of focused mobility work can lead to significant improvements in how you move and feel. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose 25 pounds in 10 weeks and get in the best shape by springtime? One expert claims that it is doable. Ruth Soukup is a midlife health and mindset coach who lost almost 50 pounds. She regularly shares her tips and tricks with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals how to lose 2.5 pounds per week realistically and sustainably. "If I wanted to spend the next 10 weeks focused on my health so that I could lose 25 pounds by spring break, this is exactly what I would do," she writes in the Instagram video.

You Don't Need to Be Super Restrictive to Lose Weight Over 40

"Let's be real, it's hard to find a perfect time to focus on your health. But if there was, this might be it. Especially when you realize that what actually works, especially for women over 40, isn't counting calories or making yourself crazy with some ultra-restrictive plan that requires you to cook separate meals," she writes in her post.

It's More About Balancing Hormones and Reversing Insulin Resistance

"It's balancing your hormones and reversing insulin resistance. And you can do it, no matter how busy your life is right now. In fact, here are the exact steps I would take if I wanted to lose 25 pounds before vacation season begins," she continues, listing her recommendations.

Cut Out Sugar and Processed Foods

She first tackles the diet topic. "Cut out sugar and processed foods," she suggests. "This is the most crucial step for reversing insulin resistance in order to balance your hormones," she writes. This includes packaged baked goods, chips, most packaged snacks, and desserts.

Eat More Healthy Fat

Not all fat will hinder your weight loss, says Ruth. "Eat more healthy fat. It's also key to rebalancing your hormones and kickstarting your metabolism," she writes.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Protein is the building block of muscle growth and fat burning. "Load up on protein," she recommends. "Shoot for at least 25-35 grams of protein at every meal."

RELATED: Coach Unveils 40-30-20 Method for Fat Burning and Muscle Building

Hydrate

Make sure to drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated. "Hydrate with electrolytes," she suggests. "This will keep you feeling good as your body makes big changes."

Avoid Alcohol

Don't drink your calories – at least for a little while. "Avoid alcohol. Only for the first six weeks!" she says. Not only is alcohol generally high in calories, but when you drink, you are more likely to eat unhealthy food and exercise less.

Track Your Macros

Be accountable when it comes to your diet. "Track your macros," says Ruth. "Don't worry about calories, but DO worry about getting the right balance of macronutrients."

RELATED: This Mobility Coach Fixed Her Upper Back Pain With 3 Simple Moves (It Only Takes 5 Minutes)

And don't forget to get your steps in. "Get OUTSIDE for a quick walk every day! It will not only help reverse insulin resistance but also help lower your cortisol!" she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Dr. Eric Berg DC
Copyright Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Does your tongue have a persistent white coating? Or maybe you've noticed your skin becoming more wrinkled lately? These could be unexpected signs that you're consuming too much sugar. Dr. Eric Berg DC, a leading authority on nutrition and healthy weight loss, has helped millions understand the hidden dangers of excessive sugar consumption. With over 13 million YouTube subscribers and multiple bestselling books, Dr. Berg breaks down the surprising signals your body sends when sugar intake is too high. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these seven warning signs.

Before We Start What Counts as Sugar

"I need to clarify exactly what sugar is and the difference between a sugar and a carbohydrate," Dr. Berg says in his post, explaining that many people misunderstand the relationship between complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and sugars. He reveals that carbohydrates consist of three components: sugar, fiber, and starch – with starch being a hidden form of sugar many overlook.

The Surprising Truth About Starch

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"Starch is sugar," Dr. Berg states plainly. He explains that starch is simply multiple sugar molecules connected together, scientifically called polysaccharides. Even more concerning, some modified starches like maltodextrin can spike blood sugar levels to 185 on the glycemic index – dramatically higher than table sugar at 65.

Sign 1 Unexplained High Adrenaline

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The most surprising sign of excessive sugar consumption, according to Dr. Berg, is elevated adrenaline levels. "Too much sugar damages the cell's ability to make energy in the mitochondria," he explains. This leads to increased adrenaline production, causing nervous energy, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Sign 2 Frequent Infections

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"Having too much sugar will weaken your immune system to the point where you're more vulnerable to acquire an infection," Dr. Berg warns. This reduced immunity makes you more susceptible to various types of infections.

Sign 3 Low Testosterone Levels

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"Sugar will lower testosterone," Dr. Berg reveals. This reduction can lead to multiple issues, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty building muscle, as testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development.

Sign 4 Bleeding Gums

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If you see pink in your toothbrush after brushing, pay attention. Dr. Berg explains this could indicate a mild form of scurvy, showing vitamin C deficiency. "When you eat sugar, you block vitamin C and one place that it shows up is in your gums," he notes.

Sign 5 Chronic Sinus Problems

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"Most chronic sinus problems are a fungus called aspergillus," Dr. Berg explains. This microorganism feeds on sugar, making it nearly impossible to resolve chronic sinus infections without eliminating sugar from your diet.

Sign 6 Persistent White Tongue

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A chronic white tongue coating could indicate candida overgrowth. "I do not think you can get rid of this candida without eliminating sugar from the diet because it loves these simple sugars," Dr. Berg emphasizes.

Sign 7 Premature Aging

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"When you consume too much sugar, you're going to produce less collagen," Dr. Berg warns. This reduction in collagen production manifests as loose, more wrinkled skin, leading to premature aging.

Taking Action Against Hidden Sugars

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Recognizing these signs is crucial for taking control of your health. Dr. Berg's insights reveal how sugar affects multiple body systems, from hormones to immune function. By paying attention to these warning signs and reducing sugar intake – including hidden sources like modified starches – you can start improving your health today. Remember, awareness is the first step toward positive change, and even small reductions in sugar consumption can lead to significant health improvements. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.