Is Rapid Weight Loss Good for Me?

Rapid weight loss is defined as the loss of a significant amount of weight in a relatively short period of time. It may be achieved by cutting calories and increasing exercise, but is often the result of a combination of these traditional forms of weight loss with medical treatments, procedures, or medications. Because there are certain health risks involved, in order for rapid weight loss to be healthy, it should always be monitored by a medical professional.

Rapid weight loss is ideal in many situations, particularly for people who have a desire to reach their weight loss goals in a short amount of time. While there are certain risks involved with losing weight too fast, including both aesthetic and medical concerns, when under the supervision of a medical weight loss doctor, rapid weight loss has several notable benefits.

Multiple studies have proven that the more weight a person loses in the first six months of weight loss, the more weight they keep off for two years. This has to do with body chemistry just as much as it has to do with motivation; when visible results are seen right away, people are more likely to sustain the changes they made in order to maintain their results. Furthermore, the health changes associated with rapid weight loss are also of great importance; losing a small amount of weight does not always equate to an improvement in health, especially in people who are obese. However, people who lose a significant amount of weight quickly experience an added benefit of a reduction in obesity-related health problems.

There are two widely accepted definitions of rapid weight loss; both are a measurement of weight loss over a certain period of time. These two definitions include:

• Over 2 Pounds a Week — Losing more than two pounds in one week is considered rapid weight loss; this can be safely and healthily achieved with the right diet and exercise plan.
• Ten Percent in 6 Months — The second definition of rapid weight loss is losing ten percent of body weight in six months. For example, if someone weighs 270 pounds, they would have to lose 27 pounds in six months in order for their weight loss to be considered rapid. While this is generally considered healthy for someone who is trying to lose weight, if a person loses a significant amount of weight without trying, it could be related to an underlying medical problem.

Although rapid weight loss can be healthy when done properly, there are certain side effects that can arise if the proper precautionary measures are not taken. These include:

• Missing out on essential nutrients
• Negative impact on mental health
• Muscle loss instead of fat loss
• Slowing down of metabolism
• The potential risk of dehydration
• Increase in hunger levels

All of these side effects can negatively impact one’s health; they may also have the opposite effect of weight loss, resulting in weight gain from increased appetite or a slower metabolism. Fortunately, all of these side effects can be avoided with the help of a medical weight loss doctor.

At Optimal Balance Center, we are dedicated to helping you reach your weight loss goals in the healthiest and most effective way possible. Call us for more information or to request an appointment today! We are conveniently located at 701 FM 685, Ste 125 Pflugerville, TX 78660. We serve patients from Pflugerville TX, Austin TX, Round Rock TX, Hutto TX, Georgetown TX, Cedar Park TX, Taylor TX, and Manor TX.