Crash dieting is a form of very restrictive weight loss whereby an individual drastically cuts back on the number of calories and fat he consumes each day. While crash dieting may be an effective way to lose weight fast, there is a very high chance that the weight will be regained and the long-term effects can be detrimental.
The Basics
Crash diets are those that encourage individuals to eat less than 1,200 calories each day. Crash dieters routinely combine their very restrictive eating habits with excessive exercise to increase the likelihood of rapid weight loss. Some crash dieters may also employ the use of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills. Celebrities have popularized crash diets like the Master Cleanse where individuals may only drink a lemonade mixture for days and sometimes weeks at a time. Crash diets are generally most popular in January, as people try to lose weight into the new year, and in early June, in an effort to achieve the ideal beach body.
Yo- Yo Effect
Your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories for energy so that it may effectively carry out all of its biological processes. Rapid weight loss can slow your metabolism, which makes you more likely to gain weight in the future. To account for the few calories the body is receiving during a crash diet, the metabolism adjusts by slowing down so that the body can still function properly. As a result, it becomes much easier to gain weight with every calorie consumed.
Health Risks
Crash diets pose very serious risks to heart health, increase your chances of becoming dehydrated and weaken your immune system. Continual crash dieting increases the risk of morbidity and the risk of permanent damage like heart muscle loss, damaged blood vessels, atherosclerosis and several other types of heart conditions. Furthermore, crash dieting can be detrimental to your mental and emotional health and can lead to a life-threatening eating disorder.
Alternatives
Medical professionals recommend that individuals lose no more than 2 lbs. per week. The most effective way to lose weight is by following a healthy diet and exercise program. A healthy weight-loss program promotes overall well-being by allowing you to eat the foods you enjoy in moderation. Drinking 64 oz. of water each day can also help you lose weight and keep it off. Consult your doctor if you are trying to lose weight so that she can help you develop a program that is most appropriate for you.
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