Crash Diet Side Effects

Crash diets are problematic in several ways, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Fad diets promising quick results, like the infamous Cabbage Soup Diet and the 3-Day Tuna Diet, rely on a restrictive list of foods. Food restriction can result in nutritional imbalances, boredom and cravings. Additionally, crash diets don't emphasize physical activity, an important component of successful weight loss. Several side effects are frequently seen with crash diets. The AHA says it is better to cut back on calories, eat a variety of foods and exercise.

Psychological Problems

Crash diets can cause adverse psychological side-effects. These can include depression, mood swings and problems with memory and recall. In a study published in the journal "Appetite," women on a restrictive weight loss diets were compared with non-dieters on a number of tests designed to measure memory and cognitive function. The dieters' performance was significantly impaired compared with non-dieters. The author theorized the dieters' preoccupation with food and weight might consume the processing resources of the brain, making it difficult to carry out cognitive tasks.

Hair Loss

Crash dieting can bring about a condition known as telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium, a high proportion of hairs on the head shift at the wrong time into the "telogen" or shedding phase. The usual reason for telogen effluvium is severe bodily or emotional stress. In addition to crash diets, surgeries, certain medications, extreme emotional upsets, hormonal problems and nutritional deficiencies can cause this distressing condition. According to the "New England Journal of Medicine," telogen effluvium causes the scalp to shed up to 300 hairs per day. Hair lost to telogen effluvium usually grows back spontaneously after the event that shocked the system is resolved. However, in some people it can become a chronic problem.

Electrolyte Imbalance

The restricted food choices offered by crash diets can result in imbalanced electrolytes, critical substances necessary for good health. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium carry an electrical charge that enable muscle and nerve cells to function properly. Slight electrolyte imbalances can result in muscle cramps, while more severe imbalances can lead to fainting, kidney problems, confusion and heart attacks. According to the "Merck Manual of Health and Aging," electrolyte imbalances can be detected by blood or urine tests and corrected with proper nutrition.