The majority of Americans are overweight or obese, conditions which bring an increased risk for chronic disease. While dieting is a logical response to weight gain, be aware of several potential dangers. Safe weight loss involves a long-term program of appropriate caloric intake, increased physical activity and physician supervision.
Nutritional Deficiencies
One of the main dangers of dieting is the development of a nutritional deficiency. This can occur from following a fad diet or eating too little. Following a low-carbohydrate diet can cause high blood pressure and the unhealthy release of ketones, compounds made during the burning of fat. Ketones can build up in the blood, causing nausea and weakness. Other fad diets can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and diets that allow little or no fat can damage the gallbladder. Diets that cause you to consume too few total calories can cause weakness, fainting and organ damage.
Yo-Yo Dieting Risks
Yo-yo dieting is the process of losing weight by dieting, only to gain the weight back. The cycle is often repeated again and again. An article in the New York Times, entitled "Vital Signs: Behavior: The Dangers of Yo-Yo Dieting," reports that women who yo-yo diet have lowered levels of natural killer cells. Given that these immune system cells are tasked with warding off cancer and viruses, the seriousness of yo-yo dieting is evident. Yo-yo dieting has also been found to be associated with increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression.
Development of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders often begin with caloric restriction. The individual begins a normal type of diet or exercise program in a healthy attempt to lose weight but becomes obsessed with weight loss. She then continues to lose more body weight than needed, while believing she is fat. She may literally starve herself to death unless she receives successful treatment. Other problems include organ damage, fainting, hair loss and loss of your menstrual cycle. Anorexia nervosa involves starving yourself or exercising until you expend many more calories than you take in. Bulimia involves eating and forcing yourself to purge, usually by vomiting. While most people who diet don't develop an eating disorder, it is a real danger for susceptible individuals.
Safe Weight Loss
Safe weight loss is accomplished by lowering overall caloric intake only to the point that you lose no more than one to two pounds per week. Increasing your physical activity can help you accomplish this. Talk with your physician before beginning an exercise program, and ask for help if you show signs of developing a dangerous dieting practice.
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