Quick Weight Loss Diets

fast-weight-loss-dietThere are many diet plans that promise quick or rapid results if dieters use their methods.

Many of these fast weight loss plans have  some type of hook such as a special ingredient, supplement, or eating routine. Many of these are considered fad diets because of this.

These diets are popular because instant gratification is engrained in our fast paced modern culture, however they do come with their share of risks.

Is Rapid Weight Loss Possible?

Most of the time, if you cut through all the fluff, these diets are usually just low calorie diets with some being very low in calories.

VCLD’s often result in a good deal of water weight loss at the beginning, which can cause the illusion of fat loss. While this can be good motivation, many people on rapid weight loss diets get frustrated when that trend doesn’t continue.

Some diets may promote quick weight lose in the beginning, but then slow and steady weight loss as the diet continues. This is a much more realistic approach to how losing weight actually occurs.

The Risks

  • Metabolic Slowdown: Diets low in calories can potentially stall the metabolism leading to an even more difficult time losing weight.
  • Malnutrition: Because many quick weight loss diets eliminate food groups and are drastically low in calories, they can leave you malnourished, which can lead to other health problems.
  • YoYo Dieting: Quick weight loss tends to contribute to yoyo dieting. It is unhealthy for a person’s weight to continually fluctuate.
  • Frustration: Dieters often gain the weight back and become frustrated with dieting and give up.
  • Loose Skin: Losing weight quickly leaves dieters more prone to loose and saggy skin, which sometimes has to be surgically removed.
  • Eating disorders: Because of the nature of most quick weight loss diets, they can contribute to eating disorders and an unhealthy relationship with food.

Safe Quick Weight Loss Diets

There are some diets that do promote quick weight loss, but they do so in healthier way. These diets either have a healthy eating plan in place or they are medically supervised.

Here are a few to consider before choosing one that could be potentially dangerous to your health and wellbeing.

3 Week Diet System Up to 23 pounds with this 3 week system.
17 Day Diet 10-12 pounds in 17 days using a low carb method.
Medifast Up to 5 pounds a week the 1st two weeks using meal replacement products. Medically supervised.
10 Pounds in 10 Days Promises rapid weight loss by following a low calorie diet and intense exercise.
400 Calorie Fix Up to 11 pounds in 2 weeks using a low calorie meal plan.
Jumpstart to Skinny Lose 20 pounds in 21 days with Bob Harper.

Be Leary of Diets that Promise Fast Weight loss

Many rapid weight loss diets promote dangerously low calorie amounts or “special” ingredients that will likely just take your money.

All of the research supports slow and steady weight loss, not only as a way to lose fat in a healthy way, but also as a way to keep the weight off for good.

People who lose weight via quick weight loss diets usually gain the weight back soon after and add even more pounds, which eventually leads to yoyo dieting.

Make sure that whichever diet you choose can become part of your lifestyle. If you can’t see yourself eating a particular way for the next year of your life, then the diet will not be sustainable nor likely successful.

 By Mizpah Matus B.Hlth.Sc(Hons)
    References:
  • Dulloo, A. G., & Jacquet, J. (1998). Adaptive reduction in basal metabolic rate in response to food deprivation in humans: a role for feedback signals from fat stores. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 68(3), 599-606. link
  • Goldstein, D. J. (1992). Beneficial health effects of modest weight loss. International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders: journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 16(6), 397-415. link
  • Roberts, D. C. (2001). Quick weight loss: sorting fad from fact. Medical journal of Australia, 175(11/12), 637-640. link

Comments

Comments now closed