Losing weight really fast is something most people interested in losing weight would love. In fact, wouldn't you just love it if the extra weight could disappear in the batting of an eye? The next day we go out and nobody even recognizes us! How great would it be?
Unfortunately, it can be dangerous to lose weight too fast. The question is, is this really true?
The dangers of losing weight fast depend on the person, and on how they lose weight. If a person is getting their basic nutritional requirements from their diet, then rapid weight loss may be okay.
However, it is quite challenging to get the minimum required for a healthy diet without taking in at least 1000 calories a day. Some health experts consider that women should not try to eat less than 1000 calories per day and men should not try to eat less than 1400.
Most people will experience rapid weight loss at this level. If a person is considerably heavier or taller than the average, they would need more. And most people will find that they can lose weight by eating more than that.
It's even important to figure out what one intends by rapid weight loss. Generally we are told that it is okay to lose 1-2 pounds a week. Anything more than this may cause problems. But a lot depends on how heavy you were in the beginning. A person weighing 300 pounds might lose as much as 5 pounds a week for a while. And, men lose weight faster than women do.
Losing the weight slowly usually allows you to also keep the weight off. Most people can't stay on harsh crash diets for long stretches of time. Usually that type of diet does not satisfy our nutritional needs. And you are more likely to binge at the end of a crash diet.
Eating disorders such as anorexia are common in young people that lose weight too fast. This usually involves a person having an unrealistic body image (they believe that they are fatter than they really are). At the same time there are issues around control over one's body and one's life. Anorexia is a very complex disease, but it should definitely be considered if you find yourself being obsessed with body image and with eating as little as possible.
Fast weight loss can also lead to other health concerns. People who lose weight too fast might develop gallstones and their hearts may even suffer from the shock.
And certainly, if your sudden and rapid weight loss if not done on purpose, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor definitely needs to be alerted if you suddenly lose weight without dieting.
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