Veteran

Posts: 335
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Registered: Jul 2002

posted 11-04-2002 11:29 PM            

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I suffer from anorexia. Right now I've lost about 29% of my original body weight. I was wondering...does anyone know what Lanugo (the growth of downy hair) looks like? And where it grows? I use to have no/low body hair (I'm female) but now...I have a lot. I'm not a warewolf or anything, but my arms have a lot more hair than it use to. As well as my back. Really...my whole body has more hair than before. It's not horribly bad but it's a change. So can anyone help me? Does anyone know about Lanugo?

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Senior Member

Posts: 124
From:
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 11-05-2002 03:57 PM            

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Well, it is part of fetal development. As the baby nears full term, the lanugo "falls off" (for lack of a better word). If you ever look at preemies, one characteristic is lanugo, usually on the arms, back, forehead, etc.

It can still be there in some full-term babies, too, but not in large amounts.

I would suspect that once you add more necessary fat to your body, the lanugo will disappear. In the meantime, if you continue having such low bodyfat, expect to see lanugo on your back, arms, and possibly your face and upper thighs.

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Veteran

Posts: 335
From:
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 11-08-2002 01:16 AM            

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Thanks. One more thing...will it go away?? I mean if I gain weight and stuff?

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Senior Member

Posts: 124
From:
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 11-12-2002 02:23 PM            

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My guess is that it will, as it disappears in the preemies as they gain weight/fat.

The lanugo is "taking the place," if you will, of your lost bodyfat in order to help regulate your body temperature (keep you warm). Once you add the necessary bodyfat, the lanugo will no longer be "necessary" to regulate your body temp.

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