Losing weight too quickly can be a dangerous endeavor, as it can lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects. Rapid water loss can cause dehydration and constipation, headaches, muscle cramps, and low energy. It can also increase the risk of gallstones, which can cause severe pain and indigestion. Unusual weight loss can also occur even when you are not on a diet, and this could be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
To avoid these risks, it is important to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protein and nutrients in your diet. A surplus of protein supports muscle mass retention even in a caloric deficit, and it also has a very satiating effect that helps suppress snacking. One of the most common side effects of rapid weight loss is the development of gallstones - hard cholesterol deposits that form in the gallbladder. These can cause nausea and severe abdominal pain, and in some cases the gallbladder may need to be removed.
Blood pressure can also drop if you lose weight too quickly, which can be dangerous. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can also occur. Other side effects include dizziness, constipation, hair loss, headaches, irritability, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. When you try to lose weight quickly, you put a lot of restrictions on your diet which can lead to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. This can cause hair loss as well as a slow metabolism rate which ultimately means slow weight loss.
The concern with rapid weight loss is that it usually requires extra efforts in diet and exercise that could be unhealthy and that you probably can't maintain as permanent lifestyle changes. Very low calorie diets (VLCDs) are considered a reasonable weight loss option for people with obesity (with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30) who need rapid weight loss for a specific purpose, such as weight-loss surgery. However, it is important to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protein and nutrients in your diet to avoid any potential risks. Research has found that after losing weight, about two-thirds of dieters gain more than they initially lost. Quality is more important than calories consumed to lose weight and can influence how much you eat. The change in their metabolism is a key reason why people regain weight after trying fast weight loss plans. Achieving a healthy physique isn't just about losing weight to fall into the acceptable weight range; you could be heavier than someone who is fatter simply because they have more muscle.
Whether the reason for extreme weight loss is related to diet or doctor, practicing proper nutrition can go a long way in discovering a remedy.
