Rapid Weight Loss - Is it Healthy?

Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to magically become thin overnight? There are many so-called weight loss products on the market that claim to work almost that fast! But, let me tell you, those products are mostly just a bunch of hype! Going on a crash diet isn’t the answer, either. There are no magical rapid weight loss cures for being over-weight or obese.

When an overweight individual goes on a crash diet or uses diet supplements, hoping to lose weight quickly, that individual risks health damage. After all, the human body requires a certain number of calories each day just to support body functions. If you deprive your body of the needed daily calories and nutrition, you may be over-taxing your heart and other organs, as a result. Your body will think it is being starved, and your metabolism will actually slow down and try to hang onto any extra fat for survival purposes.

As far as diet supplements go, if they do happen to result in rapid weight loss, the pounds that are lost are typically water weight...not fat pounds! And, as I stated previously, diet supplements carry risks and should be used with extreme caution.

Below is a list of some of the health problems noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may result from the use of certain weight loss products in an attempt to lose weight rapidly:

Dietary supplements which contain aristolochic acid have been associated with nephropathy (damage to or disease of the kidney).
Dietary supplements containing kava have been linked to severe hepatic toxicity, causing liver failure.
Comfrey-based diet supplements have been found to be toxic to the liver, as well as toxic to other body tissues. These products have also been found to be carcinogenic.
Diet supplements which contain ephedra, a natural substance obtained from botanicals, have been found to cause unnecessary health problems. According to the FDA, “The totality of the available data showed little evidence of ephedra's effectiveness except for short-term weight loss, while confirming that the substance raises blood pressure and otherwise stresses the circulatory system. These reactions have been conclusively linked to significant adverse health outcomes, including heart ailments and strokes.”

As you can see, taking diet pills and such may be more risky to your health than it’s worth! The only good way to lose weight and keep it off is by eating sensibly and through exercise. Forget about rapid weight loss! Your health is more important!

By Cyndi Schoenhals

“I HATE DIETS!” Weight Loss Program