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| - Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that energy drinks and sodas cause hair loss and anxiety in men. We fact checked this and found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Energy drinks, sodas & sweet beverages increase hair loss and anxiety in men!”
Fact Check
Do energy drinks and sugary beverages directly cause hair loss in men?
No, energy drinks, sodas, and sugary beverages don’t directly cause hair loss in men—or anyone else. There’s no solid scientific proof to back this up. Hair loss is usually down to genetics, like male pattern baldness, or factors like hormonal changes and stress—not caffeine or sugar from these drinks. That said, drinking lots of sugary beverages can lead to inflammation or poor nutrition over time, which might indirectly affect hair health for some people. But this isn’t specific to men, and it doesn’t directly trigger hair loss. Research on hair health tends to focus on diet, vitamins like biotin, and medical conditions, not sugary drinks.
However, a 2023 study in China offers a different angle. It found that young men aged 18–45 who consume high amounts of sugary drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks, may face a higher risk of male pattern hair loss. The study, based on a survey of over 1,000 participants, suggests this could be linked to anxiety or other health factors, hinting that cutting back on these drinks might help. Still, it doesn’t prove a direct cause—and there are limitations. The research only looked at one point in time, relied on participants’ memory (which can be unreliable), and focused solely on young Chinese men, so the findings might not apply to others. It could also miss other influences, like genetics or stress. We need more long-term studies to clarify this connection.
We spoke with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his expert take on whether energy drinks can cause hair loss in men. He says, “No, energy drinks and sugary beverages don’t directly cause hair loss in men. Hair loss is mostly due to genetics, hormonal changes, or stress. However, high sugar intake can lead to inflammation or poor nutrition, which might indirectly affect hair health. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet for overall hair health.”
Can these beverages increase anxiety, particularly in men?
Maybe, but it’s not specific to men. Energy drinks and sodas often contain high levels of caffeine, which can make anyone feel anxious, restless, or jittery—especially if they’re sensitive to it. The sugar in these drinks can also cause mood swings or worsen anxiety due to quick energy spikes and crashes. A 2014 study found that genetics plays a role in how people react to caffeine, with some being more prone to anxiety because of differences in brain receptors or how their body processes caffeine. However, this effect isn’t limited to men—it varies by individual, not gender.
Similarly, a 2011 study on teens showed boys might feel more positive effects from caffeine, while girls could feel more negative ones like anxiety, possibly due to hormone differences like oestrogen. But both studies had limits: they relied on small or specific groups, and more research is needed. Overall, both men and women can feel anxious from too much caffeine or sugar, so the claim it’s just men isn’t accurate.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Yes, energy drinks and sugary beverages can increase anxiety. But this isn’t specific to men. The high caffeine content in energy drinks can cause restlessness, nervousness, or even panic attacks, especially in people sensitive to caffeine. Sugary drinks can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which might worsen anxiety symptoms. It’s best to consume these in moderation to maintain a stable mood and energy levels.”
Is there research showing a unique link between these drinks and hair loss or anxiety in men?
No, there are no reliable studies showing that energy drinks or sugary beverages specifically cause hair loss or anxiety in men. Some research suggests that caffeine can actually help hair growth when used in shampoos or other topical treatments. But this isn’t linked to drinking sugary beverages, and it’s not gender-specific.
For anxiety, general studies show that caffeine can trigger anxiety in anyone sensitive to it, regardless of gender. There’s no proof that men are more affected than women.
Although there’s no direct link between energy drinks and hair loss, it’s important to be cautious if you have diabetes. Energy drinks are not good for diabetics because they are usually high in sugar and caffeine. Some reports also suggest a link between energy drinks and heart attacks, but this hasn’t been proven.
Could lifestyle habits related to these drinks explain the claim?
Maybe, but not specifically for men or hair loss/anxiety. Drinking too many energy drinks or sodas can lead to poor sleep, stress, or unhealthy eating habits, like junk food. And, this might indirectly affect mental and physical health. A 2016 South Korean study found teens drinking these beverages weekly or more face higher risks of poor sleep, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This is particularly true with junk food—possibly creating a cycle of tiredness and mood issues.
Furthermore, a 2017 study adds that energy drinks’ caffeine and sugar, plus other ingredients, can cause risks like risky behavior, poor mental health, and heart problems. These can be worsened by aggressive marketing to teens and lack of regulation. But these effects aren’t unique to men, and hair loss is mostly genetic or stress-related, while anxiety varies by person. The studies have limits—like quick surveys or one-time data—so they can’t prove these drinks directly cause hair loss or anxiety. So, blaming them oversimplifies things.
THIP Media Take
This claim that energy drinks and sodas cause hair loss and anxiety in men is mostly false. There’s no scientific evidence to show that energy drinks, sodas, or sweet beverages directly cause hair loss or anxiety specifically in men. Caffeine and sugar can impact mood and health in general. But these effects aren’t gender-specific or proven to cause hair loss. The claim exaggerates and misleads, so it’s better to question the hype rather than the drink.
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