Side effects of fast weight loss
Nothing beats the elation from weighing yourself and finding out you have shed off some weight. All those days spent working out and eating healthy have finally paid off. You can’t help but imagine you fitting in those cute clothes.
Maybe even wear those heels without panting after a few steps. However, while healthy weight loss is one thing, losing weight too fast is entirely another.
Here are some surprising side effects of fast weight loss:
5 surprising side effects of fast weight loss
Weight loss should be an exciting thing. It also affects your self-esteem positively. Unfortunately, some side effects can be surprising. Here are some side-effects you probably never knew about!
1. Changes in sleeping patterns
You would expect that weight loss will make you have better nights. This is often not the case when it comes to rapid weight loss. In fact, what you eat and when you eat it affects your sleeping patterns.
Due to the changes in diet, you may find yourself being unable to sleep well at night. This is mostly caused by low tryptophan levels. These levels can only be raised if you up your proteins and carbohydrates intake.
2. Stretch marks and saggy skin
Human skin is usually elastic so if you lose weight steadily, it will adjust to your current body size. However, if you lose too much weight too fast, it won’t have time to adjust. As a result, the skin will become loose, saggy and riddled with stretch marks.
Instead of having the perfect body size, you are left with excess layers of skin. This can be demotivating and can affect your self-esteem. The good news is that you can get rid of this saggy skin through surgery for example. Sadly, this procedure is a bit costly and may leave scars that could take a while to heal.
There are also ways to naturally minimize the appearance of stretch marks. More information on stretch marks you can find here: How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
3. Hormonal imbalances
Fast weight loss may cause fluctuations in menstrual cycles. Thus, the rapid reduction in body weight will trick your body into thinking you are starving. In response, your body will prevent your menstrual cycle. As a result, this will lead to your cycles becoming irregular.
To prevent this, it is advisable that you seek the services of a dietitian. This way, you can come up with a diet plan that won’t affect your cycle.
4. Affected hair and skin health
Your diet not only affects your weight but also the condition of your hair and skin. A healthy diet leads to smooth, glowing skin and healthy, strong hair. If the fast weight loss is a result of a fad diet, it will affect your hair and skin.
Such diets cause deficiencies in nutrients and essential fats. As an effect, your hair may start becoming weak and dull causing it to break. Your skin may also develop acne breakouts and become dry. Ensure that your diet meets at least the minimum nutritional requirements.
5. Constipation and feeling cold
Constipation may be caused by the dietary changes you have made. It is advisable that you maintain a rich fiber diet comprising of salads, whole grains, vegetables etc. Staying hydrated will also prevent constipation.
Fast weight loss may lead to a slower metabolic rate. This is your body’s attempt to conserve energy, leaving you a few calories to keep you warm. The cold may also be caused by the lack of a fat insulation layer. The rapid weight loss greatly reduces the insulating fat, leaving your body sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Other side effects of fast weight loss
Other side effects of rapid weight loss include depression and mood swings. You could also lose muscle as opposed to fat alone, especially if you are crash dieting. It is also not uncommon to experience changes in relationships. Some loved ones may support you but don’t be surprised if some are not too happy with your new lifestyle.
Are you experiencing fast weight loss?
Losing weight is supposed to be beneficial for your body and self-esteem. Moreover, it reduces risks of various lifestyle diseases and is supposed to make you feel confident. You probably couldn’t wait to get your target weight and experience all the benefits.
However, if you are loosing weight too fast (more than 2 pounds per week), for example by using unconventional weight-loss means. Then, you may find yourself dealing with the side effects that you had not bargained for. So, be careful. Health is a priority here.
Thank you for helping out, good info. “The health of nations is more important than the wealth of nations.” by Will Durant.
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