Do foligrow capsules gain weight? Investigating the link between hair supplements and weight

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

While many hair supplements are marketed for their benefits, a common concern is whether they cause unintended side effects like weight gain. The question, 'Do foligrow capsules gain weight?' requires a careful look at the specific product's formulation, as different supplements share similar names but contain different ingredients. In most cases, hair supplements like FoliGROWTH are not directly associated with weight gain, unlike certain prescription medications.

Quick Summary

This article explores the likelihood of Foligrow capsules causing weight gain, explaining that standard hair growth formulas do not typically have this side effect. It clarifies product name confusion, discusses influencing factors like metabolism and water retention, and differentiates between hair supplements and medications linked to weight fluctuations.

Key Points

Foligrow (Hair Supplement) and Weight Gain: Standard Foligrow or FoliGROWTH hair supplements are not known to cause weight gain, as their ingredients like Biotin and Zinc are not directly linked to weight fluctuation.
Check Product Labels Carefully: A different product named 'Foligro' (with an 'o') lists weight gain as a potential side effect, leading to confusion with the Foligrow hair supplement. Always verify the specific product and its ingredients.
Weight Changes are Often Unrelated: If weight gain occurs while taking Foligrow, it is likely due to other factors such as diet, metabolism, lifestyle changes, or fluid retention, rather than the supplement itself.
Distinguish from Prescribed Medications: Certain prescription medications, including some used for hair loss (like oral minoxidil), can have weight gain as a side effect due to fluid retention, but this is distinct from standard vitamin-based hair supplements.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: For any concerns about weight changes or potential side effects from supplements, consult a doctor to rule out underlying medical issues and determine the true cause.
Ingredients Support Hair Health: Foligrow supplements are designed to provide essential vitamins and minerals like Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin E to promote hair growth, strengthen follicles, and improve hair health from within.

Foligrow and FoliGROWTH: The Role of Hair Supplement Ingredients

Many products with names like Foligrow or FoliGROWTH are over-the-counter dietary supplements formulated with vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts intended to support hair health. Typical ingredients include Biotin (Vitamin B7), Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E. These nutrients are vital for various bodily functions, including promoting healthy hair growth, and are not known to directly cause weight gain.

Biotin (Vitamin B7): This vitamin is crucial for keratin production, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Biotin itself does not add calories or fat and is not linked to weight gain.
Zinc: An essential mineral involved in tissue growth and repair, zinc supports the function of oil glands around hair follicles. Unless consumed in extremely high, toxic doses, standard zinc supplementation is not a cause of weight gain.
Selenium: This mineral protects hair from free radical damage and supports scalp health. It is not associated with weight fluctuations.
Vitamin E: As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E helps improve blood circulation to the scalp. It contains no calories and is not a factor in weight gain.

Clarifying the Confusion: Foligrow vs. Foligro

The primary reason for confusion regarding weight gain and 'Foligrow' stems from different products with similar-sounding names. While supplements like FoliGROWTH or Folligrow focus on nutritional support for hair, a different product called 'Foligro' has been explicitly cited for a possible side effect of weight gain.

Foligrow/FoliGROWTH (Supplement): Contains vitamins and minerals for hair support. According to customer feedback on a product like Advanced Trichology's FoliGROWTH, weight gain is not a known side effect.
Foligro (Medication): Listings for this product, found on some online pharmacy platforms, explicitly list weight gain as a possible side effect. The different ingredient list and purpose of this product explain the discrepancy in potential side effects.

It is crucial for consumers to check the specific product name and ingredient list. If the product is a multivitamin or herbal supplement for hair, weight gain is highly unlikely to be a direct result. If the product is a specific medication or unfamiliar, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

Factors that influence weight while taking supplements

For those taking hair supplements who notice weight changes, the cause is likely not the supplement itself. Several other factors can influence body weight, including:

Changes in Appetite: Some individuals experience changes in appetite with any new supplement, which may indirectly affect calorie intake.
Fluid Retention: This can cause temporary weight gain and is a side effect of some medications, though not typically hair supplements.
Lifestyle Factors: Overall diet, exercise routine, stress levels, and sleep patterns have a far more significant impact on body weight than a standard vitamin and mineral supplement.
Underlying Health Conditions: Unexplained weight fluctuations can be a symptom of an undiagnosed health issue. If weight changes occur, a consultation with a doctor is recommended.

Comparison: Foligrow Hair Supplement vs. Other Products

To better understand the difference between hair supplements and other medical products, the following table provides a clear comparison.


Feature	Foligrow/FoliGROWTH (Hair Supplement)	Foligro (Medication)	General Multivitamin	Oral Minoxidil (Hair Loss Medication)
Primary Purpose	Nutritional support for hair growth and strength	Medication (Purpose depends on formulation, possibly liver/nerve health)	Provides essential vitamins and minerals	Treat high blood pressure; off-label use for hair growth
Key Ingredients	Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins	Varies significantly; one formulation contains Zinc for health	Wide range of vitamins and minerals	Minoxidil
Weight Gain Potential	Not a known side effect	Listed as a possible side effect	No direct link; depends on diet, metabolism	Rapid weight gain possible due to fluid retention
Recommended Use	Daily supplement, as directed on packaging	Requires medical advice before use	As directed for nutritional gaps	Prescription only; requires doctor monitoring

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Foligrow and Weight

In summary, the popular hair growth supplements known as Foligrow or FoliGROWTH do not directly cause weight gain. Their ingredients, which include vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, have no known direct link to weight fluctuation. Confusion arises due to a separate product called 'Foligro' which does list weight gain as a potential side effect. If you are taking a hair supplement and notice changes in your weight, it is most likely caused by unrelated factors such as changes in diet, fluid retention, or other lifestyle habits. As with any new supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is the right choice for your individual health needs and to rule out any underlying causes for weight changes.

Lifestyle Recommendations to Complement Hair Supplements

For those seeking to improve both hair health and overall well-being, here are some practical steps:

Balanced Diet: Ensure a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide the nutrients needed for healthy hair and a stable weight.
Regular Exercise: Consistent physical activity helps manage weight, reduce stress, and improve circulation, which benefits hair and scalp health.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking enough water can help reduce fluid retention and is essential for all metabolic processes.
Stress Management: High stress levels can impact both hair and weight. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation.
Regular Check-ups: Monitor your health with your doctor to identify any nutritional deficiencies or other medical issues contributing to hair loss or weight changes.

By taking a holistic approach, you can support your body's overall health while using targeted supplements like Foligrow for specific concerns like hair growth.

What to do if you experience unexpected weight gain

If you believe you are gaining weight because of a supplement, follow these steps:

Consult your doctor: Explain your concerns and what products you are taking. They can help determine the actual cause of the weight change.
Review your dosage: Ensure you are not exceeding the recommended dosage for any supplement, as high doses can sometimes cause unintended effects.
Check for interactions: Your doctor can assess if any other medications you are taking might be interacting with your supplement.
Discontinue use if necessary: If a supplement is the suspected cause and not medically necessary, your doctor may advise stopping it to see if the symptoms resolve.

Remember, personal consultation with a healthcare provider is always the best course of action when dealing with health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair growth vitamins, including those in most Foligrow supplements, do not typically cause weight gain. They contain essential nutrients like Biotin and Zinc that do not add calories or fat to your diet.

Foligrow is a hair growth supplement containing vitamins and minerals, while Foligro (with an 'o') is a separate product, potentially a medication, that has been cited with weight gain as a possible side effect.

High doses of some supplements or combining different vitamins can sometimes cause mild side effects or interact with other bodily functions. However, significant weight gain is unlikely and would more likely be related to other lifestyle factors.

For vitamin-based Foligrow supplements, side effects are rare and generally mild, including potential gastrointestinal upset. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should stop use and consult a doctor.

Weight gain while taking a hair supplement is likely caused by unrelated factors such as changes in diet, increased calorie intake, fluid retention due to other medications, or underlying medical conditions. The supplement itself is not the direct cause.

Yes, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including Foligrow. This ensures the supplement is safe for your individual health and does not interfere with other medications.

Yes, specific supplements like weight gainers, oral minoxidil (used for high blood pressure and off-label for hair), and some herbal or steroid products can cause weight gain. These are different from standard hair growth vitamin supplements.