According to the National Eating Disorders Association, crash dieting and fad dieting, in which dieters cut out specific food groups, drastically reduce food intake or skip meals, are common in the United States. A variety of medical organizations, including the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health, warn against the common health hazards that occur from fasting as a weight-loss method.
Significance
MayoClinic.com says that fasting diets are extremely common because dieters hope to lose weight rapidly. Many individuals feel that ceasing to eat will allow the body to burn excess fat, allowing them to shed unwanted pounds. Fasting can, in fact, produce weight loss, but it is rarely permanent, and the National Eating Disorders Association says that up to 95 percent of individuals who diet in this manner will regain the weight.
Risks
When people don't eat, their bodies begin to adjust to the lack of calories and nutrients. According to MayoClinic.com, a lack of food will quickly cause the body's metabolism to slow down. Fasting will signal the body to conserve energy, so fat stores will be reserved and any weight lost will typically be from body fluids and muscle wasting. Fasting for weight loss can leave you dehydrated and lacking proper essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium, protein and sugars, all of which allow the body to function properly.
Alternatives
A variety of medical organizations offer dieters information about healthy weight management plans. The Centers for Disease Control, for example, suggest that dieters plan a well-balanced diet with lean protein, fresh vegetables and small amounts of healthy fats. These plans are based on the Food Guide Pyramid, which outlines the major food groups and the quantities that should be consumed daily for healthy nutrition.
Expert Insight
Health organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control recommend that dieters lose weight at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Reducing food portions, avoiding high-calorie and high-fat foods, and exercising a minimum of 30 minutes per day are lifestyle changes that will promote gradual weight loss. In addition, when you develop healthier eating habits and increase your physical activity, you are more likely to maintain these habits over the long term. Fasting and crash diets are rarely sustainable, and dieters typically return to their previous food choices.
Member Comments