Sculpting the body of your dreams is going to change your life forever, but sudden weight loss can result in quite a few unwanted side effects. Even if you feel relatively healthy, you might be doing irreversible damage to your body. Here are a few potential side effects of sudden weight loss and some steps that you can take to avoid them.
In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Unfortunately, many people attempt to do that by severely restricting what they eat. Eating the same few foods every day could result in a sudden nutritional deficiency that impacts every facet of your health. Malnutrition can lead to sudden mood swings, liver failure, lethargy, a compromised immune system, and metabolic changes.
Eating plenty of fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats will reduce your risk of developing a nutritional deficiency. You might also want to meet with your doctor once every few weeks for a quick physical and blood test.
While you are burning more calories than you consume, you will naturally feel tired. Your body’s current store of fat should provide you with energy for a short period of time, but that will disappear at some point. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, you also need to get plenty of sleep.
With all of the extra exercise, you might need eight or more hours of sleep every night. Sticking to a strict sleep schedule and avoiding stimulants later on in the day are two of the best ways to improve your sleep habits.
It is an unfortunate fact that some people are left with quite a bit of loose skin after losing weight. Building muscle, gradually losing weight, and staying out of the sun will improve your skin’s elasticity, but you could end up with a few unsightly rolls at some point.
If you are concerned about loose skin, then you should speak with a doctor about plastic surgery. Modern body contouring procedures are more effective than ever, and the results could potentially last forever as long as you protect your skin and stay at a healthy weight.
As a general rule, you should be wary of any companies or professionals that guarantee significant weight loss in a short period of time. Everyone wants to have a body that they can be proud of, but your overall health should always be your priority.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.