The health benefits of rapid weight loss can offset the potential complications of extreme weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. Unless you are overweight or obese, healthcare professionals do not typically recommend extreme weight loss measures.
Using extreme methods to lose weight makes it more difficult to stay on a diet plan and can lead to health complications if you are too restrictive in the foods that you eat. If you do choose to use an extreme weight loss method, limit the length of time you remain on the diet, and take a multi-vitamin to guard against nutritional deficiencies.
Calorie Restriction
A diet that contains 800 or fewer calories is classified as a very low-calorie diet, according to the National Institutes of Health. This type of diet can jump-start weight loss, but it can also lead to fatigue, nausea and digestive upsets.
Liquid Diets
Liquid diets are a form of very low-calorie dieting in which the dieter does not consume solid foods while on the plan. There are different liquid diet formulations available. Some are high in protein, while others balance protein, carbohydrates and fats. Many dieters find liquid diets convenient because the portion size is predetermined and no meal planning is involved.
Eliminating Food Groups
Cutting out carbohydrates, fats or other food groups results in quick weight loss but can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. The boredom you develop with this type of diet also reduces your appetite, aiding in weight loss. However, the boredom and restriction can lead to bingeing, and following the diet can make it difficult to eat at restaurants or other people's homes.
Over-exercise
Exercising dramatically more than the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can lead to quick weight loss. The CDC recommends that adults 18 to 64 participate each week in 150 minutes of moderately intense activity, such as brisk walking, and two weightlifting sessions that work all major muscle groups. If you run or participate in other vigorous activities, 75 minutes of weekly aerobic activity is enough to maintain fitness. Exercise beyond these guidelines is over-exercising, which may burn calories but can lead to over-training, as well as injuries and burnout.
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