Is Rapid Weight Loss a Bad Thing?

There are many diets that promise rapid weight loss. You can't flip through a women's magazine without seeing at least one ad promising a thinner you in no time. These promises are very appealing to dieters looking for a quick solution. However, rapidly losing weight can have some serious drawbacks.

There are several types of Rapid Weight Loss Diets. One type is the starvation diet. While starvation diets have been around for a while, it has recently gotten newer more appealing labels like a cleansing or detoxification diet. Some of these diets resort to using colonics or enemas.

Diet pills are another way that people try to rapidly lose weight. Usually they promise to block fat or carb absorption, increase metabolism, or burn fat. These diet pills are not usually regulated by the FDA. More than likely when a pill blocks fat it also blocks other nutrients. Since the FDA doesn't regulate over the counter weight loss products marketers make these promises without a look of fear or evidence.

There are a few over the counter weight loss drugs that the FDA does regulate. Unfortunately, that doesn't even mean these are safe. Currently, the FDA is investigating reports of liver injury in people who took Alli, an over the counter weight loss pill.

There have also been devices and creams throughout history that have promised a slimmer you. Most of these unrealistic products and creams have audacious claims. However they rarely have anything to back them up. They only things they are good at slimming down are bank accounts.

Rapid weight loss takes a serious toll on a dieter's body. There are many risks associated with rapid weight loss. Gallstones are one potential side effect to those who lose a large amount of weight rapidly. Dehydration is another serious problem with many of these diets. Malnutrition is another risk on a rapid weight loss diet. It usually comes from not eating enough protein for weeks at a time. Electrolyte imbalances can be a life threatening side effect of a rapid diet.

There are also less serious side effects of rapid weight loss that greatly affect a dieter's quality of life. Some of these include headaches, irritability, dizziness, tiredness, menstrual problems, hair loss, and muscle loss. The longer a dieter is one a rapid weight loss diet the higher the risk of complications.

While rapid weight loss can be risky so can obesity. If you are obese and looking to lose weight rapidly consult a physician. He or she may put you on a very low-calorie diet. These diets should always be doctor supervised because of the risks associated with them. For most people, it is a better idea to lose weight slowly over time, by using portion control and exercising regularly.