Diets, weight loss pills and other programs often make promises of "fast weight loss." This notion appeals to those who are unhappy with their current weight and want to see changes as soon as possible.While losing weight quickly may satisfy your sense of instant gratification, it may have its drawbacks. According to MayoClinic.com, weight that is lost too quickly through extreme methods may not be sustainable. MayoClinic.com recommends losing about 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Talk to your doctor before starting any diet.
Time Frame
If you want to lose just 1 lb. of fat per week, your calorie expenditure needs to exceed your intake by 500 calories per day. Losing much more weight than this per week would likely require extreme measures of calorie reduction or exercise. MayoClinic.com notes that often, when people lose more than 2 lbs. of weight in a week, this weight is not fat, but fluid or lean muscle. Anything more than 2 lbs. of weight loss a week is considered rapid weight loss.
Loose Skin
For those who are obese or who have weight-related medical conditions, rapid weight loss may be recommended, either through a very low-calorie diet or through bariatric surgery. According to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, rapid weight loss in obese people can lead to loose folds of skin in the arms, legs, abdomen, breasts and face. This loose skin can also develop rashes, and is generally unattractive and uncomfortable. Some obese people will opt for contouring surgery to eliminate loose skin.
Impact on Metabolism
Rapid weight loss may also have an impact on metabolism. According to a study published in the "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness," well-trained athletes may experience decreased metabolism after fast weight loss. The study, led by V. Oopik at the University of Tartu, Estonia, examined the effects on wrestlers of loss of 5.1 to 5.8 percent body weight within three days. The researchers found that the metabolism and athletic performance of the wrestlers were compromised, and didn't return to normal levels after a 16.5 hour recovery period.
Benefits
In some cases, such as obesity, rapid weight loss may be acceptable, reports MayoClinic.com. However, this should be done responsibly through a healthy, reasonable diet that is approved by your doctor. MayoClinic.com notes that some diets may start with an initial "jump-start" for faster weight loss, but may then stabilize to a standard 2 lb. a week diet.
Considerations
Discuss diet plans at length with your doctor. When choosing a diet, consider its long-term viability and sustainability, its fat-burning ability, and its potential impact on your overall health. If you feel the risks of obesity are greater than those of rapid weight loss, you should seek a responsible, established diet that you can ultimately use as a long-term lifestyle choice.
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