The Not-So-Pretty Side of Rapid Weight Loss

From a young age, I realized something odd but true: the exact same task can feel a chore or a joy, all depending on how you look at it. If I had to read a book for school, I’d procrastinate endlessly – maybe never even finish it. But if I picked up that same book on my own? I might stay up all night devouring every page.

Weight loss can work the same way.

Just a few days ago, my wife Abby was positively glowing after our workout. On the drive home, she said, “I really love going to the gym with you.” That meant a lot. A few years ago, she was hesitant to even set foot in my gym. To be fair, it’s a bit intense. But she stuck with it. Over time, what once felt intimidating became a highlight of her week - and ours.

In a world addicted to fast results and flashy transformations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of rushing everything… even our health. We’ve been conditioned to expect speed: next day delivery, 30-day challenges, 7-day detoxes. But lasting change doesn’t come in a weekend crash course. Building a solid foundation, especially when it comes to your health, can save you months, even years of frustration, plateaus, and burnout.

So, what if we slowed down and actually enjoyed the process?

When we stop racing toward the finish line, we can experience more joy, more peace, and stronger connections along the way. Losing 50 pounds doesn’t just change your body -  it can change your entire life. But here’s what no one talks about enough: when you try to lose weight too quickly, your hair and skin often pay the price.

The hair and skin struggle is real.

You’ve probably had one of those “mirror moments.” You decide it’s time to get in shape. You cut calories, start a new diet, or take one of those popular diet medications, maybe join a workout program. A few weeks in, the number on the scale drops fast. You feel proud. Then… you start shedding. Hair in the shower. On the pillow. In your brush. 
What’s going on?

Rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where your body, under stress, diverts resources away from non-essential functions like growing hair. Your body focuses on survival. Hair, skin, and nails? Not on the priority list. In other words, it’s your body’s way of hitting the panic button.

And it’s not just your hair. Your skin can start to feel dry, dull, or breakout prone. Cut too many healthy fats or key nutrients and your skin’s elasticity, moisture and glow will fade, no matter how many serums you slather on.

Nutrients Matter More Than You Think

As a pharmacist, I’ve seen people try to solve this with biotin gummies, collagen powders, or expensive creams. I’ve done it myself. I figured, “I eat clean, I’m fine!” A tomato here, a protein shake there… but I was wrong.

The truth is, even healthy-seeming restrictive diets can quietly rob your body of essential nutrients. During a long stint of low-carb eating, my own hair started thinning. That was my wake-up call. I started using targeted supplements and, within months, my hair looked better than it had in years.

That’s why I recommend GILA Renew - a supplement designed not just to check the box with trendy ingredients, but to actually support your body during weight loss.

Yes, it includes hair-friendly ingredients like biotin, but what makes it stand out is the thoughtful inclusion of key cofactors - nutrients that help your body absorb and use those ingredients effectively.

For example, GILA Renew includes a gentle, effective dose of iron - not too much, just enough to make a difference. Why is that important? Because low iron (even if you’re not technically anemic) is one of the most common hidden causes of hair loss, especially in women. Without enough iron, oxygen doesn’t reach your hair follicles, and they’re among the first to suffer.

It also contains zinc (essential for skin repair and hair strength) and vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron and build collagen. These ingredients work together, a crucial detail that most supplements miss.

What You Can Do Now

If you're trying to lose weight but also want to protect your hair, skin, and overall vitality, here are a few essentials:

·      Eat enough protein. Your hair is literally made of it.

·       Don’t fear healthy fats. They keep your skin resilient and glowing.

·       Stay hydrated. Water isn’t optional, it’s foundational.

·       Strength train. It preserves muscle and prevents that frail, “crash-diet” look.

·       Supplement smart. A well-designed formula like GILA Renew can bridge the nutritional gaps that restrictive diets often create.

Final Thoughts from the Pharmacy Counter

I get it, everyone wants results yesterday. But health isn’t a sprint. And when your glow disappears or your hair starts falling out, it’s often your body whispering “Something’s off.”

Don’t just throw another product at the problem, start from the inside out.

Weight loss should help you feel stronger, more confident, and more connected - not depleted or discouraged. Take your time. Nourish your body. And don’t forget to support it along the way, not just for the transformation, but for the long haul.

If you’ve been through something like this, or have your own tips and experiences, I'd love to hear from you. I don’t believe anyone is too smart to keep learning, too old to learn something new, or too young to teach others.

Let’s grow together. 💪

 ~ Pharmacist Eddie

P.S. Got questions? Don’t hesitate to access our free Pharmacy Forum!