LOSING IT: Going bald is one of guys' biggest insecurities

You might have to choose between a buff body and going bald because your gym habits can wreak havoc with a full head of hair.

According to a top hair loss expert, pumping iron and guzzling protein shakes can speed up hair loss.

But how can your gym gains result in a receding mane?

It’s because lifting weights and downing fitness shakes that contain growth hormones increase the body’s testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels – leading to a hairless head.

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In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Online, Dr Thomy Kouremada-Zioga said: “Drinking protein shakes can in fact significantly accelerate hair loss in men.

“It is important to note here that, drinking protein shakes will only accelerate hair loss in those already predisposed to it."

She added: “Protein shakes will very often contain growth hormones such as Creatine and DHEA, which not only increase muscle mass, but also increase testosterone levels in the bloodstream.

“Testosterone produces a chemical known as DHT, which actually contributes to baldness when the hair follicles become exposed to too much.

“Sadly, this is something that most men are unaware of, until they notice that their hair loss has already become more apparent.”

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BODY SHOCKER: Pumping iron and drinking protein shake can speed up hair loss

But it’s not all bad news because you can still keep fit and have luscious locks by making a few simple changes.

If you know that baldness runs in the family, stop chugging popular weight loss shakes and overhaul your diet.

The Harley Street medic said: “I would advise men who are pre-disposed to balding to stop using protein shakes that contain growth factors and hormones.

“Instead, they should try and incorporate natural sources of protein into their diet such as chicken, fish and eggs.

“Men should also ensure they are eating a healthy and balanced diet, which contains essential vitamins and minerals.”

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You may also want to rethink your exercise routine so ditch the dumbbells and hop onto the treadmill because cardio can apparently reverse a receding hairline.

Dr Thomy, who works as a Hair Transplant Surgeon at The Private Clinic, explained: “Interestingly the activity that men do in the gym can also potentially impact hair loss.

“While cardio will reduce the levels of DHT in the blood stream, excess weight lifting can increase testosterone levels and therefore accelerate hair loss.

“I would therefore also advise those men who focus on lifting weights in the gym, to be mindful of just how much lifting they do and, where possible, to do more aerobic exercises.”

Meanwhile a recent study found that thinning on top was lads’ number one fear.

It turns out that guys just can’t handle the idea of losing their hair, with a third confessing that they stress about it at least once a day and over one in 10 admitting they haven’t been able to sleep because of their follicle fear.

In fact, men would rather have their partner cheat on them, lose their job, or even make their entire internet search history public, than lose their locks.

Lots of men would even sacrifice a promotion, a fast car and a supermodel wife just to be able to have a full head of hair.

A whopping 17% of men polled said that losing their hair was their number one fear. Comparatively, only 11% said their worst nightmare was that their partner would cheat on them.