Side Effects of Losing Weight Too Quickly Articles | Weight Loss

By: Richard Bleuze

Side Effects of Losing Weight Too Quickly.

Weight loss is sought by many people.  However, rapid weight loss often can be detrimental to your health and cause unpleasant side effects.  Generally speaking, long term weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes, which is why a slow and steady loss leads to improved success.  A healthy weight loss is consided by many to be 2 to 3 lbs. a week.  Weight loss that is too quick, like 10 to 15 lbs. a week, may indicate that you are losing water or lean tissue, not fat.

A few major side effects fo losing weight too fast are:

1.  The loss of muscle tissue.  The loss of lean muscle tissue is a major side effect of losing weight too quickly.  Thus, consuming insufficient calories results in a lack of energy for your body.  Instead of your body refueling from the intake of food, your metabolism adjusts so it can preserve its stored energy, which is fat, and starts to digest your muscle tissue for energy.

2.  Gallbladder problems can develop as a side effect of losing weight too quickly.  Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder when your liver produces excess cholesterol or bile due to quick weight loss or crash diets.  If you consume little or no fat, it may cause your gallbladder to stop functioning properly or become idle.  Although, the majority of people who develop gallstones experience no symptoms, a few people unfortunately do suffer painful attacks.

3.  Loss of body heat production can be a side effect of losing weight too quickly.  A temporary yet unpleasant side effect of losing weight too quickly is often shivering and feeling cold by someone who has lost alot of weight too quickly.  Fat insulates your body and prevents the loss of body heat.  Thus, rapid weight loss removes some of that insulation.  Conversely, some overweight people sweat excessively; when your body sweats it acts as a cooling mechanism.

4.  Hair loss is generally a short term side effect of quick weight loss.  This generally occurs as a result of insufficient protein intake; your body will sacrifice protein derived from hair to support important body functions.  The good news, however, is that as soon as you return to proper nutrition and adequate dietary protein, your hair will begin to grow strong again.

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