Quick Weight Loss: Is it Safe?

While most people looking to lose weight would love to lose it quickly, they are also smart enough to know they also want it to be safe.  For years we’ve been taught the only effective weight loss is 1-2 lbs per week.  However, with the popularity of reality shows such as the Biggest Loser, people are reconsidering what is not only possible, but what also can be safe.  We are coming to accept the fact that  people are able to lose more weight, and do it quicker, without the negative side effects, if the weight loss is conducted properly.   There are several ways to know if the program or method you choose to lose weight would be considered safe.

An unsafe method for quick weight loss is severely reducing your calories. When calories are slashed drastically, a person will lose muscle mass, which in turn lowers your metabolism.  This has an adverse affect on all things from hair loss to organs shutting down.   This is dangerous to the person in both the short and long term.  It will also be more difficult to maintain a weight loss once metabolism is slowed.

In addition to slowing your metabolism, severe calorie restrictions make it difficult to get adequate nutrients for proper functioning.  Without adequate calories, nutrient deficiencies begin to emerge.  Water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C can only be stored for short term, and must be replaced in the diet daily.

It is possible to lose weight quickly and safely by keeping a few things in mind.  The first thing to counteract the problems typically associated with quick weight loss is maintain your lean muscle in order for metabolism to stay revved up.  This can be achieved through exercise like strength training, fueling your body with lean proteins, or taking weight loss products that promote muscle growth and maintenance.  Keeping your muscle mass will also be the key to burning fat.  Muscle is more metabolically active.  A person generally burns 6 calories for every pound of muscles as opposed to 2 calories for every pound of fat.

Getting proper nutrients can be achieved by eating enough calories to be fed, while still creating a calorie deficit to lose weight.  This can be a fine line.  Monitoring your calorie intake by keeping a food journal is the best way to know that you are eating enough calories during the day.   Taking a multi vitamin or supplement may also be helpful to counteract any deficiencies that may arise through temporary calorie restriction.  Eating less is the most difficult part of losing weight.  Supplements can help two ways here. One possibility is to maintain your current caloric consumption, and enjoy the increased calorie burn provided by a supplement.  Or it can assist with lowering your calories adequately if it contains a natural appetite suppressant.

There are some warning signs to consider when losing weight to know whether you are staying safe.  If your menstrual cycle ceases, you begin to lose hair, you are sick often, or you become lethargic and moody, you should see your health care provider.  If you feel great, you’re eating well and exercising, and you are losing weight as well, keep it up!