Extreme Weight Loss
Dangerous Diet Trends That Don't Work
According to the Weight-control Information Network of the National Institute of Health, more than 60% of adults in the United States are overweight. Losing weight can be very difficult, so it is no surprise that people turn to diets that promise rapid weight loss solutions. These fad diets can be dangerous and cause serious health problems.
Liquid Diets
Doctors often prescribe liquid diets before or after surgery or to obese patients. Many people also use liquid diets for quick weight loss. Products like Optifast and Slimfast claim to offer all the vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy diet, in liquid form.
The problem with liquid diets is keeping off the weight. Most people eventually gain back the weight that they lost. Over a period of time, rapid weight loss diets tend to burn muscle, instead of fat, and slow the metabolism, causing the dieter to gain weight. Prolonged use of a liquid diet can cause kidney and lung damage and may also impair the immune system. Too few calories and lack of nutrients while using a liquid diet may cause an electrolyte imbalance, resulting in heart problems. In some cases, death may result.
Low Carbohydrate Diets
Diets low in carbohydrates have long been touted as safe and effective weight loss programs. Low carbohydrate diets like the Atkins and South Beach diets have become very popular in recent years. These diets promise safe, effective weight loss by eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Many doctors now say that these diets should be avoided.
Low carb diets pose many dangerous health risks. Limited intake of carbohydrates causes dieters to experience ketosis and may increase bone loss due to an increase of acid in the body. Carbohydrates help the body produce energy. A lack of carbohydrates in the diet can lead to a lack of energy and fatigue. Low carbohydrate diets have been linked to poor memory, heart and kidney disease, and an increased risk of cancer.
Diet Pills
Weight loss supplements may seem like an easy way to lose weight fast. Diet pills are available both over-the-counter and with a prescription. Many OTC weight loss pills are extremely dangerous. The FDA recently released a nationwide alert regarding diet pills it found to be unsafe and ineffective. These pills are not approved by the FDA and contained dangerous amounts of unlisted ingredients, including some prescription medications and substances that are illegal in the US. Taking diet pills may cause high blood pressure, strokes, heart problems, and mood swings.
If a diet program sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The most effective way to lose weight is through eating a healthy well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise. A physician should always be consulted before starting any diet or exercise program.
Sources:
ScienceDaily.com, " Researchers Nix Low-carb Diet "
Cancer.org, " Weighing In on Low-carb Diets "
MayoClinic.com, " Low-carb Diets: Can They Help You Lose Weight? "
FDA.gov, " FDA Uncovers Additional Tainted Weight Loss Products ", March 20, 2009
Weight Loss Pills May Not Be Effective
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