Dropping a few pounds for a special event is a common occurrence for many women, but losing more than a few pounds rapidly can be dangerous to your health, states the American Chronicle. Individuals who want to drop pounds should be aware that gimmicks and fad dieting can lead to long-term health problems. Understand the dangers of rapid weight loss and how it can affect your body both in short- and long-term results and the ability to maintain that weight loss. Rapid weight loss is a phrase that commonly implies dropping a certain number of pounds within about two to seven days.
Health Hazards
Dozens of weight loss products are sold on store shelves, but not all of them are safe. Many contain components that may increase heart rate, which in turn leads to higher metabolism or calorie burn, but which may also cause heart damage. MayoClinic.com suggests consumers do their homework and learn about and understand ingredients in popular weight loss supplements taken to encourage fast weight loss. Talk to your doctor about weight loss supplements, pills or diets before starting, to ensure your safety.
Yo-Yo Effect
Starving yourself to drop a few pounds quickly can have a yo-yo effect on your body, warns dietitian Kathleen Goodwin of The Diet Channel. When you stop eating, your body goes into what's known as the starvation mode. When the body thinks it's going to be deprived of food, it automatically lowers the metabolic rate, or rate at which calories or fat is burned for energy. You may drop a few pounds relatively quickly, but once you start eating normally again, your body will not only return to its previous weight, but add even more, due to your already lowered metabolic rate. This causes many people to once again crash diet, perpetuating the cycle.
Deficient Nutrition
Crash diets usually don't offer the body the necessary nutrients it needs for optimal function. Low-calorie or severely restricted diets are often low in iron, vitamins, sodium and potassium, all necessary for organ function, states Epigee. Lack of vital nutrients can damage the liver, kidneys and heart, as well as the brain. The heart needs adequate potassium for function, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium help muscles and nerves function. Dangerously low levels of these components in your body could lead to a heart attack.
Mental Health
Lack of nutrients often causes feelings of lethargy and sluggishness for some dieters. The brain needs adequate nutrients for optimal function. Crash dieters often complain of depression, fatigue, lack of energy and irritability, states Epigee. A serious danger of crash dieting is the development of long-term conditions such as bulimia and anorexia.
Member Comments