Why to avoid crash diets for weight loss

Red-flags associated with crash dieting

Wednesday, 6th October 2021

We all wish to find quick fixes for our obesity issues and thus, resort to drastic measures. A crash diet may sound exciting as they are likely to fetch very fast results. Those are extremely low-calorie diets that cut down on your pounds abruptly. But they are likely to help you shed your pounds for a shorter time span. Crash diets, even when they produce instant results, are not effective…they can have adverse impacts on your body’s metabolism and can even lead to nutritional deficiencies. Also, weight loss results achieved from a crash diet are only temporary and the lost weight usually bounces back.

Crash dieting also referred to as Yo-Yo dieting is differently called weight recycling. A renowned nutritionist, AnupamaMenon explains about crash diet while giving an interview to Hindustan Times.

Menon states,” The pattern of losing weight, regaining it and then dieting again. The person is usually successful in the beginning to lose weight and see the results but fails in maintaining it in the long term. Eventually, the lost kilos come back again, and the dieter again seeks to lose the regained weight, and the cycle begins again.”

Why avoid crash dieting

Muscle loss occurs

According to nutritionists, calories allow the body to function properly. With the intake of fewer calories, the body compels muscles to break down for consuming energy. “Because fat is regained more easily than muscle after weight loss, this can lead to more loss of muscle over time,” statesMenon.

Appetite increases

A hormone called Leptin is responsible for keeping your stomach full and giving a feeling of satiety. When you are on a crash diet, the level of the Leptin hormone drops and the appetite increases as your body tries to restore the energy that has been lost. Hence, the short-term loss of weight tends to come back again.

Lowers metabolism rate

Muscle mass is highly crucial for metabolism. Muscle mass gets lost when lesser calories are combusted. Menon states,” Extreme diets can put you in starvation mode and your metabolism will slow down to conserve energy and your body will hang on to more fat. This later becomes the reason for weight gain and leads to more muscle loss over time.”

Leads to nutritional deficiency

AnupamaMenontalks about a very vital point. Menon states that these types of diets are very restrictive in nature and can cut exclude vital nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. If nutrients fall short, energy and immunity can drop and this can lead to extreme fatigue.

Leads to mood swing

Menon states,” The up-down on the scale will be extremely frustrating and sometimes you’ll end up losing your motivation also. Most of the diets will tell you to avoid so many things that you’ll end up with a few options. And if your diet doesn’t allow you to enjoy your favorite dishes even on weekends, then it’s time to change your diet.”

The News Talkie Bureau

Source:

India.com