With Spring Break coming up, sometimes we can be hasty in our decision that we need to lose weight to have the best bikini bod. This can lead to a drastically reduced intake of calories, the use of laxatives, and over exercising; all of which are extremely unhealthy. Most magazines can give you tips on how to shred body fat and lose weight fast. Just a quick Google search will give you thousands of results on how to lose weight quickly. Some of the fad diets got me thinking, “You have got to be kidding me!”; they just sounded so ridiculous and too good to be true! Most of these diets are just that, and not to mention dangerous.
So what are the dangers of fad dieting?
Malnutrition
Many of these diets suggest very low caloric intake. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend 1,600-2,400 calories per day for women depending on their activity level. Many of these diets recommend 1,400 or fewer calories per day. Many of these diets also suggest eliminating various food groups from your diet, which eliminates essential nutrients from your diet.
Dizziness, Fatigue, and Dehydration
When you are not getting the nutrition you need, your body is going to tell you it needs fuel! You will feel slower and weaker. Listen to your hunger cues, and eat when your body tells you it is time to eat. And make sure you are drinking fluids throughout the day, too! Dehydration will slow down your metabolism and can also lead to more serious health problems.
They can lead to eating disorders
According to The Philadelphia Eating Disorder Examiner, “35% of occasional dieters progress into pathological dieting. Many advance to full-blown eating disorders.”
Other serious health consequences
If dieting gets too out of hand, severe health concerns such as (but not limited to) muscle loss, weakness, low blood pressure and sugar, constipation, and reduction in bone density may occur.
While some of these dangers do seem very worst case scenario, there is always the possibility of taking dieting too far. Not to mention, most fad diets don’t work in the long run. When you eliminate certain foods from your diet, your body will crave them more. The best way to lose weight or get a more toned figure, safely and efficiently, is by maintaining a balanced diet and exercise plan. As the old saying goes, “Everything in moderation!”
Article Sources:
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/PolicyDoc.pdf
http://www.northridgehospital.org/Who_We_Are/225259
http://www.examiner.com/article/pathological-dieting-precursor-to-eating…
Photo Source:
http://www.myhousecallmd.com/fad-diets-the-good-the-fad-the-ugly/