The human body, in its complexity, requires close to ideal conditions in order to function adequately without threat of muscle imbalance, fragile bones, joint stress or disease. An extreme fluctuation in body mass, whether an increase or a decrease, at an accelerated pace, compromises the very framework of your anatomy.
Instant Gradification Mentality
In a society obsessed with instant gratification, many people are enticed by the concept of the get-thin-quick mania fulling our increasingly overweight society. Although you did not gain the weight overnight, losing it in the blink of an eye is a common yet unrealistic goal. Disappointed by less than stellar results promised by miracle exercise equipment, you may contemplate drastic measures like crash diets. This weight loss method is employed time and time again in an effort to shed pounds quickly without considering the ramifications.
Rapid Weight Loss
When you lose weight at an accelerated rate, your metabolism slows in an attempt to conserve mass for survival, leading to rebounding weight gain. According to National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, as the body metabolizes fat during prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss such as that which occurs with "crash diets," the liver secretes extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones. Loose hanging skin also accompanies rapid weight loss due to the fact that your body isn't given sufficient time to adjust.
Accelerated Weight Gain
External manifestations of accelerated weight gain include stretch marks, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids while breathing trouble, fluid retention, and elevated risk of high blood pressure may manifest internally, says The New York Times Health Guide. Rapid weight gain not only overtaxes your joints but can encase your internal organs in a layer of fat, suffocating them to the point of diminished function or failure. Gaining weight, even for healthful reasons, poses the risk of developing diabetes if done too quickly.
Long-term Effects On the Body
When forced to release weight in a short period of time, your body will burn muscle tissue for fuel and save body fat as a last resort, resulting in loss of muscle mass, says MayoClinic.com medicine specialist Donald Hensrud, M.D.. Hair loss is also a common development of rapid weight loss. When you severely restrict calories, hair takes low priority to the rest of your body in terms of any protein that is used for overall conservation. Since your hair is constructed of protein its nutrients will be depleted.
Make Permanent Lifestyle Changes
Long-term weight loss must be done slowly; aim to lose no more than 2 lbs. per week. Gradual weight loss allows your body to adjust to its new physical modifications and maintain them. Changes in lifestyle such as regular exercise and nutrient-rich foods on a consistent basis versus quick-fix tactics promote continual healthy weight loss and maintenance. At the same time, regulated weight gain is beneficial if done slowly and with a healthy, balanced diet.
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