Many people resort to extreme weight loss regimens in the hope of losing weight quickly and achieving immediate results, without considering their impact on their health. Although these regimens may appear temporarily successful, they often lead to unhealthy weight loss and disruption of bodily functions. The body needs a balanced diet that provides it with energy and essential nutrients.
What are extreme weight loss regimens?
Extreme weight loss regimens rely on drastically reducing calories and relying on a very limited diet, including:
Completely eliminating carbohydrates or fats.
Relying on specific, low-calorie meals.
Drinking juices or liquids instead of food.
Skipping main meals for extended periods.
How do these regimens affect the body?
Excessive calorie reduction leads to metabolic disturbances and energy loss. The most prominent effects are:
Decrease in metabolic rate over time.
Loss of muscle instead of fat.
Constant feelings of fatigue and hunger.
Disruption of the hormones responsible for metabolic function.
Are extreme weight loss regimens effective in the long term?
Severe weight loss regimens produce quick, temporary results, but the body does not sustain weight loss for long. These include:
Weight regain immediately after stopping the regimen.
Weakened immune system and vitamin deficiency.
Hormonal imbalance in women.
Loss of muscle mass, which is important for burning fat.
The psychological impact of severe diets
Severe diets directly affect the psychological state, as the person feels deprived, anxious, and tired, which ultimately leads to difficulty adhering to them or a return to overeating after a short period.
Examples of the most popular severe diets
Several quick diets have emerged that claim to achieve immediate results, the most prominent of which are:
The low-carb keto diet.
Intermittent fasting for long hours.
Juice-only diets.
High-protein diets.
The harms of following severe diets for long periods
Following these diets for long periods leads to bodily dysfunction, including the following:
Hair loss and weak nails.
Menstrual irregularities in women.
Poor concentration and decreased immunity.
Constant feelings of fatigue and dizziness.
Healthy Ways to Avoid the Risks of Extreme Diets
Better results can be achieved without resorting to strict diets by following simple steps, including:
Eating adequate amounts of protein and vegetables.
Exercising regularly.
Drinking water regularly to support metabolism.
Getting adequate sleep daily.
Safe Alternatives to Extreme Diets
Alternatives to extreme diets include balanced diets that achieve healthy weight loss, such as:
The fiber-rich Mediterranean diet.
A balanced vegetarian diet.
Reducing sugars and saturated fats.
Eating multiple, light meals throughout the day.
Article Summary
Extreme diets may produce quick results, but they harm the body's health and weaken metabolism over time. Balanced diets, on the other hand, achieve steady and safe weight loss, maintaining weight and body health over the long term.