Rapid weight loss may not seem like a devastating disorder, especially when you consider the increasing number of overweight and obese Americans. The fact is that dropping pounds too quickly can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis, an irregular heart rate, malnutrition and other dangerous health problems. If you're losing more than 2 lbs. a week, intentionally or not, you could be at risk for becoming underweight, which is just as serious as carrying around excess fat.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a gland that is responsible for producing hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by the overproduction of hormones, which can result in rapid and sudden weight loss and lead to muscle wasting. Treatment for this condition, including oral iodine, anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers or surgery, can reverse weight loss. More than 12 million Americans suffer from a thyroid disease, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Calories
Your body needs calories for energy and food to provide the proper vitamins and nutrients. Eating too few calories for your age, gender and activity level can lead to rapid weight loss. Moderately active women need 1,800 to 2,000 calories a day, according to the American Heart Association. Moderately active men need 2,000 to 2,800 calories. The more you exercise, the more calories your body needs.
Exercise
Intense exercise, especially coupled with a calorie-restricted diet, could be to blame for losing weight quickly. One pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. If you're on a 2,000-calorie per day diet and burn several thousand calories through physical activity, your body will not get the energy needed to maintain your weight. If your normal day consists of an hour-long workout at the gym, an aerobics class and physical activity with your friends or family members, you should consider upping your calorie intake to accommodate your active lifestyle. The American Heart Association says that an active lifestyle is equivalent to walking more than three miles a day, 3 to 4 mph, in addition to your ordinary routine.
Age
Although it's natural to lose some weight as you age, it's important to understand that you're not just burning fat. The Mayo Clinic reports that with age, bones often shrink in size and density. They become weaker, more porous and susceptible to fracture. Other causes of weight loss associated with aging are digestive problems and diseases that make eating more difficult and medications that change your metabolism and appetite.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Underweight? See How to Add Pounds Healthfully; Katherine Zeratsky;August 2009
- BBC; Health: Need to Gain Weight?; Lyndel Costain
- FamilyDoctor.org: What It Takes to Lose Weight; January 2010
- Harvard Health Publications: Thyroid Disease -- Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
- American Heart Association: Know How Many Calories You Should Eat
- Mayo Clinic; Aging: What to Expect as You Get Older; August 2010
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