Weight loss is a growing industry in America, grossing over 33 billion dollars a year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A variety of diets, pills and other supplements claim to promote rapid, often effortless, weight loss. Dieters should not only be concerned with the efficacy of rapid weight loss diets and products, but also with their safety.
Starvation Diets
Starvation diets are diet programs that promote an extremely restricted caloric intake, reportedly forcing the body to burn stored deposits of fat. These diets are often touted as having detoxifying effects on the body, and sometimes -- such as with The Master Cleanse -- they involve laxative use. Starvation diets are generally designed to only last a few days and quickly shed pounds to reach a short-term goal.
Pills and Supplements
Many pills and supplements are available that claim to aid in rapid weight loss. These products target at least one of three body functions: metabolism, appetite or muscle composition. Stimulants such as caffeine are often included to speed up the metabolism and encourage calories to be burned. Diet pills contain hormones or other naturally occurring compounds to achieve the desired effects.
Risks
Malnutrition is the primary risk of rapid weight loss. Many diet plans contain little or no protein -- a nutrient essential to the human body. These diets also may result in muscle loss, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system. In addition, the body often does not receive many other vital vitamins and minerals, causing hair loss, bone loss and digestive difficulties. Rapid weight loss in women may also lead to abnormal or irregular menstruation.
Sustainability
While weight loss may be achieved through the above means, it is often not sustainable. Referring to the weight lost through restrictive diets and supplements, the American Council on Exercise states "A large portion of the weight lost on these types of diets is water and lean tissue, so the minute you get off the diet and go back to eating normally, you'll gain the weight back -- and probably more."
References
- Federal Trade Commission; Commercial Weight Loss Products and Programs What Consumers Stand To Gain and Lose; October 1997
- Master Cleanse: What Is The Master Cleanse?
- WeightLossPills.net: Top 5 Consumer Rated Weight Loss Pills
- "The New York Times" Health Guide: Menstrual Periods - Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular; Harvey Simon, MD, David Zieve, MD; June 2008
- American Council on Exercise Fit Facts: Diet Myths Debunked
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