Problems with Rapid Weight Loss

Everyone knows obesity can cause illness. With about 60 percent of U.S. citizens overweight in 2009, the Center for Disease Control estimated that Americans spent as much as $93 billion on illnesses caused by too much weight. But losing weight very quickly is not the answer. Rapid weight loss is defined as a loss of more than 2 lbs. per week. Losing weight fast puts significant physical stress on the body and can cause serious health issues, some of which can be fatal.

Gallstones

Rapid weight loss can cause gallstones to develop. When the body metabolizes fat during a crash diet, the liver absorbs extra cholesterol. Additionally, the gallbladder won't empty bile correctly. Both situations can lead to painful gallstones. Patients who have gastric bypass surgery--a procedure in which the stomach is stapled into a small pouch to decrease hunger--are at high risk for gallstones because they lose weight so quickly after surgery. These patients must be carefully monitored by their medical team. People who go on crash diets with no medical supervision can easily develop gallstones and probably will need to seek their doctor's help

Hair Loss

People trying to lose weight rapidly usually go on a diet that does not include their daily recommended allowance of vitamins. This can lead to hair thinning or loss. Gastric bypass patients also may experience this phenomenon, but their hair usually grows back thicker than before as their body adjusts to a healthy diet and weight.

Dehydration

Athletes, especially wrestlers, routinely use dehydration as a way to lose weight quickly and qualify for a lower weight class in competition. Then they often try to regain the weight in the hours between the weigh-in and their match. Many wrestlers work out in a heated room wearing rubber suits. However, doctors say this is an extremely dangerous practice. Excessive dehydration can lead to kidney failure, heart attack or a heat stroke.

Bulimia

Although rapid weight loss may be a symptom of bulimia, doctors say even patients who are not bulimic can become bulimic after rapid weight loss. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which people, usually females, binge on food and then make themselves purge the food by vomiting, fasting, overexercising and using laxatives and diuretics. Bulimic patients frequently have quick weight gains and then quick weight losses. Bulimia is a serious condition that can lead to fatal heart problems. These patients need a combination of medical and mental intervention.

Loss of Strength

People who attempt to lose weight rapidly have less energy. They experience headaches, irritability, dizziness, fatigue and depression. Rapid weight loss can cause greater weight gain later. Going on a diet that does not include protein is particularly dangerous, as the body needs protein to repair cells, repair and build bones and muscles and provide daily energy.