Crash diets are dietary regimens designed to produce rapid weight loss results. Though such programs may cause initial weight loss, they put one at risk for a variety of potentially serious side effects. If you are considering a crash diet, it's important to understand the potential risks. For healthy weight loss management, seek guidance from a qualified professional.
Negative Food Attitudes
Crash diets often involve severe dietary restriction, to the point that the dieter winds up obsessing over food, seeking extreme or unhealthy ways to reduce hunger and to avoid eating particular foods--many of which are recommended for a nutritious, well-balanced diet. According to University of Southern California nutritionist Patrice Barber, crash dieting makes food the enemy in the minds of dieters. The more food is avoided, the more the dieter begins to resent it and experience guilt over consuming it. A major effect of these attitudes is the loss of enjoyment regarding food and eating. Restrictive dieting has the potential to bring negativity to social events, work functions, family meals and anywhere in which food is a part of the picture. Crash dieting frequently backfires in this regard, because cravings for food actually increase during periods of restriction.
Barber recommends a dietary plan that allows for flexibility. A pound or two of weight loss per week is considered healthy for overweight individuals.
Physical Consequences
Crash dieting can cause an array of negative physical side effects, such as lethargy, extreme hunger, body aches, decreased bone density, a dampened immune system and reduced metabolism, which often leads to weight gain. According to Barber, the longer one partakes in severely restrictive crash diets, the more fat her body is likely to hold onto and store. Findings published by the United States Department of Health (USDA) show that girls who perpetually diet are over 300 percent more likely to develop obesity later in life than those who do not. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, more than 1 in 3 individuals who diet will become perpetual dieters, which is a common symptom for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Mood Swings
Crash dieting also affects one's moods and emotional well-being. When blood sugar is low, due to low caloric or nutrient intake, people are more prone to feelings of irritability, frustration and emotional deprivation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nutrient deficiencies may contribute significantly to the development of depression. In addition, those who have low self esteem and negative body image are more likely to partake in crash diets than those who accept themselves fully. For this reason, diets may be particularly harmful to those at risk for depression or other emotional disorders. If you experience frequent or lengthy periods of sadness, loneliness or other negative moods, seek guidance from a qualified professional prior to pursuing weight loss, unless your medical doctor has advised otherwise for best physical and emotional results.
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