Fast weight loss is a myth or reality?

We live in a world which promises one day delivery. This ongoing speed frenzy has led the time frame of delivery or results very short lived.
So you might find yourself searching for ways to lose weight fast. Before you go on that journey, It would be helpful to know that if there are quick solutions to this problem. The whole idea of fast weight loss is really tempting. The picturization of losing a lot of weight in a minimum time can be very alluring. But still the question remains, Is losing weight fast feasible?

We need to mention this at the beginning of the blog that weight loss, a sustainable healthy weight loss can only be done step by step with a proper guidance and a healthy routine. Fast weight loss is a concept often propagated by fad diets. These do give great weight loss in a limited time while giving unrealistic expectations for the person going through the program. While it is possible to lose weight quickly, it may not be a healthy or sustainable approach. Before you sign up for these programmes, pause and read ahead.

With the years of experience and the people we have met I have noted down a few reasons why fast weight loss might not be the right path to take upon

1. Weight Rebound: This is the most feared Yo-Yo cycle. Many times rapid weight loss of leads to quick weight regain. The body’s natural response to extreme calorie restriction is to slow metabolism and conserve energy. Once regular eating resumes, the lost weight tends to return.
2. Muscle Loss: The numbers going down on the scale might be your muscles saying goodbye. Muscle is very important in our body to maintain metabolism and protect organs and joints. Fast weight tends to disregard muscle building. This kind of approach involves loss of muscle, and losing it can have long-term consequences while also hampering the body metabolism
3. Metabolic Slowdown: Every single person has a BMR ( basal metabolic rate). This helps the body function for a living. This also determines the minimal number of calorie needed for survival. Ther are studies that show crash diets can lead to a decreased metabolic rate, making it more challenging to lose weight in the long run.
4. Malnourishment: Food doesn’t have to be the enemy in a diet. More so, food is a source of many nutrients in the body. Not just for weight gain or loss. We need food for life. While looking for fast weight loss, you might run into severely restricting calorie intake. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, impacting overall health and well-being. A study published by John Hopkins University explains this well.
5. Chronic illness and Chronic Pain: When it comes to muscle degradation and malnourishment. The path of fast weight loss can lead to chronic pain and illness due to the stress on the body caused by fast weight loss.
6. Easting disorder: The fast way to lose weight might be the most harmful because of this reason. People often tend to develop bad relationship with food and associate food with weight gain when going through such harsh diets. This can lead to the development of eating disorders.

The success to weight loss is not speed but sustainability. Do keep in mind, before getting into any diet program, it’s vital to consult with a healthcare professional and a registered dietitian. They can help you understand the pros and cons of different approaches and design a personalized plan that suits your individual needs.

fast weight loss may seem like a shortcut to your ideal body, but it comes with potential risks and drawbacks. Consult with professionals to ensure that your chosen approach is the one for you. The diet should align with your health goals and consider the long-term implications of your decisions.

1. Dansinger, M. L., Gleason, J. A., Griffith, J. L., Selker, H. P., & Schaefer, E. J. (2005). “Comparison of the Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk Reduction: A Randomized Trial.” JAMA, 293(1), 43-53.
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2020). “Dieting and Gallstones.” Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/ health-information/  weight-management/  dieting-gallstones
3. Mann, T., Tomiyama, A. J., Westling, E., Lew, A. M., Samuels, B., & Chatman, J. (2007). “Medicare’s search for effective obesity treatments: diets are not the answer.” American Psychologist, 62(3), 220-233.
4. Wing, R. R., & Phelan, S. (2005). “Long-term weight loss maintenance.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 82(1 Suppl), 222S-225S.
5. Mehler, P. S., & Andersen, A. E. (2017). “Eating Disorders: A Guide to Medical Care and Complications.” Johns Hopkins University Press.