Extreme dieting techniques--such as extreme low-calorie dieting, fasting and use of diet pills--may serve as tempting options for people seeking rapid weight-loss results. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), Americans spend more than $40 billion annually on diets and diet-related products, many of which pose more harm than good. A doctor's guidance is recommended for those drawn to extreme diets or those who wish to manage weight healthfully.
Reduced Metabolism and Weight Gain
Severe calorie restriction can cause reduction in a person's metabolism, or the rate at which calories from food convert into energy. The body may go into "starvation mode," a state in which it holds on to, or stores, calories taken in as a means of conserving energy. People who "yo-yo diet"--or repeatedly restrict calories to lose weight, stop dieting and gain weight, then restrict calories again--are at heightened risk for reduced metabolism. Once metabolism is reduced, weight gain is likely. In this way, extreme dieting increases risk in the long run for weight-related conditions such as obesity, cholesterol problems and heart disease. According to the NEDA, 95 percent of dieters regain lost weight and additional weight within five years.
Increased Risk for Disease
Extreme dieting techniques such as fasting and extreme calorie restriction are associated with poor nutrient intake and reduced immune system function. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2007, people who severely restrict calories hold greater risk for inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and, potentially, cancer. These findings are contrary to the claims of severe low-calorie dietary approaches geared toward longevity. Risk for osteoporosis also increases with extreme dieting, because risk factors for the disease include vitamin D and calcium deficiency, low body weight and eating disorders, which may follow extreme dieting.
Emotional Complications
Extreme dieting is associated with reduced self-esteem, poor body image and decreased social interaction. These complications may develop due to poor nutrition, as a healthy diet can promote levels of positive brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Consuming too few calories and nutrients also reduces a person's energy, which may lead to increased desire to stay home or spend time alone. Because extreme diets pose rigid rules, such as avoidance of certain foods or consuming only specified amounts of calories or carbohydrate grams, they can make social interaction less pleasurable and more stressful. In severe cases, extreme diets lead to depression--an illness characterized by elongated periods of low moods that detract significantly from a person's life.
Reduce Cognitive Skills
Extreme dieting can cause reduced ability to concentrate on school, work and other tasks. People who diet regularly or for long time periods may exhibit more absences from work or school than those who eat normal, healthy diets. They also may perform at a reduced level when they are present. Extreme dieting can lead to obsession with weight loss and food, which detract from a person's ability to concentrate on other matters.
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