Severe weight loss diets claim drastic results, fast. But with drastic results come drastic limitations, restrictions and side effects. Severe weight loss diets should only be done under the supervision of a physician and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, not exceed a four-month period.
Characteristics
Severe diets are characterized by extremely low calories, under 1,200 for women and 1,500 for men, the restriction of a certain food, and/or long durations of exercise. These diets are not specified for individuals, rather they take a one-size-fits-all approach; eat fewer calories and lose weight.
Theory
There are 3,500 calories in 1 lb.. To lose weight, you must create this deficit whether it is through diet on its own, or through diet and exercise. Severe weight loss diets promote decreasing your caloric intake below healthy amounts and increasing exercise to create this deficit and promote rapid weight loss. Healthy weight loss is considered to be 1 to 2 lbs. per week; this would call for a 500- to 1,000-calorie deficit daily. Severe weight loss diets promote a 1,000- to 2,000-calorie deficit resulting in 2 to 4 lbs. of weight loss per week.
Physical Risks
Severe weight loss diets may provide insufficient vitamins and minerals and may cause fatigue, intolerance to cold, hair loss, gallstone formation and menstrual irregularities. The weight loss will not be all fat, but muscle and fluid as well. Severe weight loss diets can lead to yo-yo weight gain, where you lose weight initially but need to resume normal eating habits since the limitations of the diet are too strict and you regain some, all or more than the weight initially lost; you then return to the severe diet to re-lose the weight.
Psychological Risks
Severe weight loss diets are often associated with the development of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. With eating disorders, your self-image is altered and drastically different than what others see. People with eating disorders view their "diet" as way to feel in control, and they believe the more weight they lose, the happier they will be. Counting calories and losing weight becomes more important than being healthy. If left undiagnosed and untreated, eating disorders can cause heart and kidney problems and can result in death, notes HelpGuide.org.
Prevention/Solution
The effects and risks of an extreme weight loss diet can be avoided through a healthy, well-balanced diet and daily exercise. Think of weight loss as a way to improve your health and quality life, and less of a means to make you happy. A healthy lifestyle involving exercise will improve your mood, sleep patterns, reduce depression, the development of healthy habits, increased self esteem and the reduction of stress.
Member Comments