Rapid Weight Loss in a Week

Though many who have extra pounds to shed may be eager to rid themselves of it, losing it too quickly, especially in a week, can pose some very serious health problems. Before embarking on a weight-loss journey, it is vital to know the pros and cons of the diet you are beginning, as well as what will yield long-term versus short term weight-loss results.

Know the Dangers

Though it is possible to lose as much as 20 pounds in one week, it is not without health risks. One of the risks is loss of muscle. Muscle plays an essential role when it comes to burning fat and calories in the long term; losing muscle for a week of fast weight loss may not be a worthy trade off.

Another danger facing you is the increased risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Some become so obsessed with losing weight rapidly that they starve themselves to achieve the results they want; this can lead to anorexia. On the flip side, reducing you calories too much can cause you to binge eat and then purge after out of guilt. This can behavior can become habitual and lead to bulimia.

Research Diet Plans

If you find you are truly set on losing weight rapidly in one week, research the diets which may provide you with the results you wish to achieve. The two most popular are the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet. Both of these plans involve drastically reducing the amount of carbohydrates you consume daily, which places your body in a state of ketosis. Ketosis is the process through which your body burns fat for fuel rather than the sugars found in carbohydrates. However, both of these plans have health risks as well and are not meant for everyone to follow.

Know What is Recommended

Most doctors feel that healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. This is not only a safer pace for your body, it also increases your chances of keeping the weight off permanently.

The best way to know what is best for you is to visit your doctor and ask him for his opinion. If you have a larger amount of weight to lose, chances are you will lose weight more rapidly than those with less to lose. Your doctor can also help you determine what diet will work best for you.

Incorporate Exercise

No matter what diet you choose, one sure way to speed up your weight-loss results is to add exercise to your daily routine. A brisk, 45-minute walk each day is a terrific way to speed up your metabolism and burn unwanted calories and fat.

To avoid losing muscle, incorporate two or three days of strength training during the week you are trying to lose weight. Contrary to what many people believe, muscle will not make you appear bulky, it will add fire to your metabolism and help burn fat faster.