Rapid weight loss diets are not healthy, beware of dehydration, anxiety, depression

Rapid weight loss methods typically involve drastic calorie reduction, extreme dieting, or intensive exercise regimens aimed at shedding pounds quickly. (Image: Canva)

Rapid weight loss methods typically involve drastic calorie reduction, extreme dieting, or intensive exercise regimens aimed at shedding pounds quickly. Common methods include very low-calorie diets (VLCDs), where daily intake is limited to 800 calories or less, often leading to nutrient deficiencies. Fad diets like keto, juice cleanses, or detox diets promise quick results by eliminating entire food groups or significantly restricting intake. Some people turn to over-the-counter diet pills or supplements, which can be risky due to unregulated ingredients.

Intense workout routines, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or prolonged cardio sessions, are also used to burn calories rapidly. Intermittent fasting, where eating is restricted to certain hours or days, is another popular approach. While these methods can result in quick weight loss, they often come with significant health risks and are typically unsustainable in the long term. There are significant consequences associated with losing weight too quickly. Here are 10 potential risks according to Noida-based dietician Ishika Singh.

Nutrient deficiencies: Rapid weight loss often involves extreme calorie restriction, which can lead to insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, resulting in deficiencies that affect overall health.

Muscle loss: Quick weight loss can lead to the loss of muscle mass, not just fat. This can decrease your strength, metabolism, and overall physical function.

Gallstones: Losing weight rapidly can increase the risk of developing gallstones, which are painful and may require surgery to remove.

Metabolic slowdown: Your metabolism may slow down significantly as your body tries to conserve energy, making it harder to lose weight and easier to regain it once normal eating resumes.

Loose skin: Rapid weight loss doesn’t give your skin enough time to adjust to the new body size, which can result in excess sagging skin.

Also see: Nail-biting habit got you down? Here’s why you should kick this habit for good

Dehydration: Extreme dieting or rapid weight loss can lead to dehydration, especially if you’re not consuming enough water or losing fluids through sweating.

Hormonal imbalance: Significant changes in weight can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to issues like menstrual irregularities in women or a drop in testosterone in men.

Mental health impact: The stress and deprivation associated with rapid weight loss can lead to anxiety, depression, or an unhealthy relationship with food.

Nutritional imbalances: Diets that focus on rapid weight loss often neglect a balanced intake of nutrients, leading to imbalances that can affect energy levels, brain function, and overall well-being.

Yo-yo dieting: Rapid weight loss is often unsustainable, leading to a cycle of losing and regaining weight, which can harm your metabolism and make future weight loss efforts even more difficult.