Quick weight loss is often sought after in our society, but is it sustainableor safe?
Its no wonder so many people feel intense pressure to lose weightand lose it swiftly.
But are there consequences to rapid weight loss?
Photo: Design elements: Getty Images. Collage: Cassie Basford.
Why the rush to lose weight so quickly?
With instant gratification within easy reach, it makes sense that you’re drawn to a quick fix.
Everyone has their reasons for wanting to lose weight, but rapid weight-loss efforts can backfire.
So, what happens to your body when you lose weight too fast?
Lets just say you may be getting more than lower numbers on the scale.
Here are the possible outcomes of rapid weight lossand why healthy,slow-and-steady weight lossis the way to go.
Muscle loss impacts much more than your ability to lift heavy things and tohave proper balance.
Strong muscles and ligaments help protect your joints, reducing your risk of injury.
Muscle also plays a role in using glucose and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levelsamong many other functions.
In fact,you might even gain weightbut the weight youre keeping is important.
And the calories are necessary to maintain that muscle mass.
But you dont have to be a bodybuilder to need enough calories to maintain muscle mass.
Weight regain can be a reality when your body tries to adapt to sudden calorie restrictions.
Simply getting up and dressed in the morning uses calories beyond your BMR.
And any activity you do, from work to play, uses calories.
Gallstones are stone-like deposits formed in your gallbladder, and they can be painful.
Some symptoms of gallstones are pain, vomiting, indigestion and fever.
You Could Be Really Tired
Calories are energy.
This can send energy levels plummeting and bring on brain fog.
Our bodies are likely to not get enough energy and, as a result, feel fatigued and lethargic.
And, in the worst-case scenario, it may cause a life-threatening eating disorder.
Rapid weight loss can affect your social life too.
Socializationfeeling connected with and supported by other peopleis an important aspect of mental and physical health, too.
Whether youre following a diet or not, include plenty of mood-boosting andbrain-healthy foodsin your meals and snacks.
The Bottom Line
Our bodies are complexand weight loss is no exception.
My advice is not to focus on weight but on how you feel.
Because, remembera specific weight doesnt necessarily mean healthy and energetic.
Always consult your health care provider before starting any new weight-loss journey.
Its also a good idea to work with a registered dietitian.
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McCarthy D, Berg A.Weight loss strategies and the risk of skeletal muscle mass loss.Nutrients.
2020;124(11):1121-1132 doi:10.1017/S000711452000224X
MedlinePlus.Gallstones.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Dieting & Gallstones.
