In a society preoccupied with physical perfection, a lot of people are in constant search for that easy "quick fix" for weight loss. Unfortunately, such a remedy does not exist and theories that claim to hold the key are often detrimental to good health. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), decreasing caloric consumption and increasing caloric expenditure through exercise remains the most effective method for long-term weight loss and maintenance. Despite these facts, however, some people still opt for dangerous ways to lose weight.
Rapid Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, fast is not the way to go. For people who harbor goals of maintaining weight loss, it is recommended that they lose no more than 1 to 2 lbs. of weight per week. Losing weight any quicker than this can result in a loss of valuable muscle mass rather than strictly fat, which may result in a decreased resting metabolic rate. The ACSM warns that rapid weight loss can result in high water weight loss as well as electrolyte imbalances leading to cardiac dysrhythmias.
Fad Diets
There are new fad diets popping up everyday on television and in magazines. These diets embrace concepts such as fasting, liquid diets and starvation diets as well as total elimination of at least one macro-nutrient such as carbohydrates. The problem with these diets is that they are not well-rounded nor complete. People who attempt such diets risk nutritional deficiencies. According to the ACSM, very low caloric intake may lower resting metabolic rate and stimulate physiological processes that conserve energy expenditure, thus making it even more difficult to lose weight.
Sweat Suits, Body Wraps and Saunas
Sweat suits, body wraps and saunas are all popular ways to "sweat off" those last 5 or 10 lbs., particularly for athletes trying to cut weight. These methods are not only ineffective for actual weight loss but can also be dangerous. The risks of using sweat loss to lose weight are severe. They include dehydration, overheating (heatstroke), extreme loss of electrolytes (kidney damage/death), and other cardiovascular related emergencies, per military.com. The water weight that was lost is quickly regained as soon as foods and fluids are consumed, rendering efforts futile.
Weight Loss Pills
New weight loss pills, like fad diets, pop up every day. They are marketed by claims to suppress appetite, speed up metabolism and melt fat. A lot of the pills on the market are not an effective means of weight loss as they pose some serious health risks. According to the Weight Loss Institute, some of these possible side-effects include: anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, allergic reactions, hallucinations, extreme hypertension, chest pain, pounding heart, reduced protein levels, blood cell abnormalities, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, visual impairment and severe liver damage. It is clear that the risks of using weight loss pills greatly outweigh any alleged benefits they may offer.
References
- "ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription", Fifth Edition; Stella L. Volpe, et al.; 2006
- Military Fitness Center: Weight Loss Myths
- The Weight Loss Institute: The Best Diet Pills Reviewed
Member Comments