Rapid Weight Loss

     As the desire for instant thinness continues to be a feature of our society, so is the appearance of new and not-so-new fad diets and the promise of rapid weight loss. What exactly do you consider to be quick weight loss? One pound a week? Ten pounds a week? The amount of weight that you can expect loose per week depends on many factors - your current weight, your exercise level, and your genes. Most often, weight loss diets that promise quicker results than about 2-3 pounds per week are fad diets. The lure of these diets and their promise of rapid weight loss is undoubtedly compelling. A survey in the United States found that more than one in five dieters used fad diets. Fad diets appeal to people who seek to look better and feel better with a minimum of effort.

Can I Lose Weight Fast?
     Yes, weight loss can be pretty fast, but there are limitations to exactly how quick the weight loss will be. As well, it is important to know that fast weight loss carries risks.

Limitations

     Your body is designed to survive famine, not bingeing. When it was built, hunger not fast weight loss was the problem. As a result, the maximum weight loss (fat-loss) a healthy person can sustain is about 3 pounds a week. If you slash your calorie-intake, or if you have a lot of excess weight to lose, then weight loss may be faster. But this extra weight loss is likely to include a higher proportion of water and/or muscle loss. Also, chances are that this rapid weight loss will quickly slow down within 2-3 weeks.

Risks of Fast Weight Loss

     Your body does not like to lose weight too fast. The two most common risks of rapid weight loss include:

* Loose Skin: If you lose weight too fast, your skin does not have time to adjust to your leaner body shape. The only effective treatment for loose skin caused by fast weight loss is Abdominoplasty which is a serious surgical procedure.
* Gallstones: Studies have shown that people who lose more than 3 pounds per week have a greater risk of developing gallstones than those who lose weight at slower rates. Overly fast weight loss may also cause silent gallstones to become symptomatic.

     Your body slows down it's metabolism (rate of burning calories). Result? You get impatient with this slower weight loss and quit and feel a bigger failure. You manage to lose weight fast, but because you haven't had time to develop good eating habits you regain the weight as soon as you stop dieting.

Related Links

Fad Diets
Recognize Fad Diets
Helping Kids Lose
Passive Weight Loss
Helpful hints for Fads
How to Lose Quickly
Tips On Dieting