Extreme diets are dangerous. The current societal environment is marked by a different perception of beauty, which can be largely attributed to advertisements and media that portray an “ideal” body type, thereby forcing vulnerable youth to fit into a “society-approved mold”. “.
Losing weight and achieving an ideal body type is high on most people’s to-do list, whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, planning a big event, or vacation. A healthy weight is crucial for longevity, but unfortunately the diet industry thrives on people’s desire to lose weight as fast as possible – without doing any work.
What we don’t realize is that there are no shortcuts and that healthy weight loss can only be achieved through a balanced diet and exercise program.
Extreme diets: The express solution to lose a few pounds.
In their quest for rapid weight loss, most people decide to go on extreme diets. Extreme diets consist of reducing calorie intake to lose a lot of weight in a short time, which amounts to pushing the body beyond its capacity.
As a general rule, men need around 2500 calories per day, and women around 2000 calories per day, depending on their age and activity level. People with obesity may be recommended a calorie-controlled diet to achieve a healthy weight, but this diet must be approved and supervised by a doctor, and many dietitians only recommend losing one or two pounds a week.
While extreme dieting can have the desired effect, such a dangerous lack of calories poses health hazards. If you’re considering extreme dieting, you need to make sure you fully understand the health risks and side effects of cutting calories and restricting food choices.
The dangers of extreme diets.
Extreme diets produce extreme results, but not always in the way you would like. They are more likely to make you lethargic, moody, nauseous, and sick. Plus, in the long run, they can lead to metabolism issues, weight regain, and potentially serious health issues. Here’s a look at the changes that take place in your body when you boycott carbs, drink with every meal, or deprive your body of the sources it needs.
Dehydration:
The immediate “success” of crash dieting is only an illusion, as the pounds lost are likely coming from water rather than fat. During calorie or carbohydrate restricted intake, the first source of energy the body burns, well before fat, is glycogen, a form of carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscle, each gram of which is accompanied by water.
Change in blood sugar level.
Because extreme dieting is associated with yo-yoing, or regaining weight lost while dieting, it contributes to insulin resistance and potentially type 2 diabetes, according to a 2013 diabetes study.
Muscle breakdown:
Malnutrition and extreme diets are deeply linked. Malnutrition can lead to atrophy of muscles throughout the body, which leads to muscle wasting. Extremely low-calorie liquid diets, for example, have been linked to ventricular arrhythmias and death. A weakened heart is a serious problem that can be life threatening.
Onset of malnutrition.
In the case of extreme diets, the severe food restriction leads to numerous deficiencies in nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins (especially vitamins A, D, E and K) and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, etc These food groups are essential, and their absence in the diet can be the cause of many deficiency diseases. Suddenly resuming a regular diet can drop phosphorus, magnesium and potassium levels and lead to heart failure.
Lose weight with extreme diets or in a healthy way?
The best way to lose weight and maintain its continuity is to change your lifestyle by changing your eating habits and adopting physical activity.
Eating healthy foods, including protein and carbohydrates as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables, while limiting saturated fat and sugar intake, is the best “diet” for safe weight loss. A healthy diet must also be supplemented with physical activity to achieve health goals.
If you are concerned about your weight or eating habits or need advice on dieting and losing weight safely, seek the advice of a doctor or nutritionist.
