Possible Risks and Complications of Weight loss

December 24, 2022

Rapid and dramatic weight loss occurs when you lose more than the recommended kilogramme per week. It may excite you. But unfortunately, it may increase your risk of contracting a wide range of illnesses. You might, for instance, develop gallstones, nutrient deficits, a slow metabolism, or may lose muscular mass.

People use specialised diet plans known as “crash diets” to shed pounds quickly. It involves consuming fewer calories each day than necessary. It may be quite hazardous. To carry out regular tasks without becoming exhausted, our bodies need enough energy. Also, to keep our metabolism steady, we need to consume the required calories.

People believe that eating a diet low in calories is easier to maintain than working out and that it will help them lose weight much more quickly. You may burn fat quickly but the body begins to lose water and muscle mass, which can cause a number of issues, including dehydration. It might also indicate a general weight loss. This is because the body begins utilising glycogen to provide for daily energy requirements. Our body’s energy supply is stored in glycogen. Muscles are depleted by the body when these reserves are depleted.

As a result, muscle is lost more rapidly than fat. It might be difficult to maintain rapid weight loss and soon revert to old eating and lifestyle patterns. Eating disorders may also arise as a result of it.

Table of Contents

Health Risks of Rapid weight loss

1. Muscle Loss

Losing fat and losing weight are two entirely distinct processes. It’s possible that losing fat and weight are not necessarily the same. Even though a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) makes it easier to lose weight quickly, it can also cause muscle and water loss.

2. Metabolic Changes

You can lose weight by increasing your metabolic activity. The amount of calories you burn each day depends on your metabolism. Additionally, metabolism aids in transforming the food you eat into energy. Thus, having a faster metabolism aids in burning more calories, which causes rapid weight loss.

A study found that cutting calories while trying to lose weight could result in you burning 23% less calories per day. That is as a result of a decrease in metabolic rate in your body. It can be brought on by a shift in the hormonal balance. A decreased metabolic rate will also cause weight gain.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

People who are trying to lose a lot of weight typically skip meals, which leads to vitamin shortages. It can be exceedingly challenging to consume vital nutrients like folate, B12, and iron while following a low-calorie diet.

Weariness, hair loss, anaemia, weak bones, and immune disorder are symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, as are fatigue and weakened bones. To make up for these inadequacies, you should increase your intake of raw, unprocessed foods. In severe cases, you’ll additionally need to supplement your diet. But before beginning a supplement regimen, consult a physician.

4. Gallstone formation

The development of gallstones is caused by undissolved cholesterol in the gallbladder, which are stone-like structures. They may result in developing abdominal discomfort and cramping.

According to study, quick and extreme weight loss may be a major factor in the development of gallstones. Digestion of fatty foods is aided by the gallbladder. These digestive secretions create gallstones when you don’t consume enough food.

5. Dehydration issue

Reduced water weight or water loss usually leads to rapid weight loss. According to research, adopting a diet that promotes quick weight loss can cause serious dehydration. Among the symptoms are:

Fatigue
Discomfort
Constipation
Headaches

Serious diseases like kidney stones or reduced kidney function might also result from it.

6. Electrolyte imbalance

The human body regularly adapts to little adjustments in order to function properly. Any significant change, especially to the electrolyte balance, could compromise the body’s ability to respond to biological stress, though.

Electrolytes are essential for the smooth operation of biological processes. They support the muscles’ ability to contract and relax and control heartbeats. Dietary changes that occur abruptly can have an impact on mineral intake and upset the electrolytes. It might put other organs in danger and cause cardiovascular abnormalities. Also, it can be a serious risk to the heart. Therefore, an electrolyte imbalance caused by drastic weight loss increases the risk of having a heart attack.

7. Fatigue

You can lose weight quickly by using a crash diet. However, the severe calorie deficit makes it difficult for the body to function normally. Extreme fatigue might result from it. People may be more likely to faint as a result, even under minor stress. Additional symptoms include:

Muscle cramps
Irritability
Feeling cold
Constipation
Dizziness
Disturbed sleep pattern

You might be compelled to return to your old diet as a result. You will therefore struggle to keep off the weight you have lost.

Conclusion

Weight loss is a topic that is currently receiving a lot of attention and is crucial for overweight people. But how you lose weight and how long it takes do matter. To improve their health, obese or overweight people should lose weight. It protects against many metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and a host of others. However, you must do so gradually if you want to lose weight.

Rapid weight loss is detrimental to one’s health. To lower your calorie intake, you should consult a dietician. Diets that are self-designed may result in unhealthful weight loss.

FAQs

1. What are the reasons for sudden weight loss?

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and medical health conditions such as thyroid, diabetes, cancer or heart failure can lead to sudden weight loss.