Although fast weight loss may sound like an appealing idea, it is not the best way to reach your goal weight. Instead, you should focus on cutting calories and exercising more to lose weight at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs. weekly. Rapid weight loss not only increases your chances of regaining the lost weight, but also it puts you at risk for serious medical complications. Consult a physician before making diet and exercise changes to achieve weight loss.
Gallstones
If you lose weight at a rate of more than 3 lbs. weekly, you are at an increased risk of developing gallstones. Gallstones are small clusters of material that look similar to pebbles. Gallstones are produced by the gallbladder and may block the normal flow of bile. Symptoms of gallstones include pain between the shoulder blades and in the upper-right abdomen. You may also have gallstones without experiencing any symptoms.
Weight Gain
You are more likely to regain the weight with rapid weight-loss programs. If you are using a very low-calorie diet or fad diet that is extremely restrictive, you are not likely to be able to follow the plan for a prolonged period of time. Once you grow bored with the plan and return to your normal eating patterns, the increased calorie intake will cause you to regain the weight. Diets that require fasting periods or involve skipping meals may also cause weight gain as well, because you may compensate at a later time by overeating.
Muscle and Water Loss
The weight that you lose quickly may not actually be fat you are burning. According to MayoClinic.com, you may be losing water weight or lean muscle tissue. When you are not eating enough calories, muscle tissue may be broken down by the body due to nutritional deficiencies. Certain diets, such as low-carb eating plans, may reduce water retention, and this may be the reason you see the weight come off quickly.
Heart Disorders
Low-calorie diets that require you to consume less than 800 calories per day are particularly dangerous. When you are not eating enough calories, you put yourself at risk for heart irregularities. According to the Weight-control Information Network, these heart abnormalities may prove fatal in some cases.
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