A crash diet is when someone attempts to lose weight quickly. Whilst a more conventional diet is undertaken with the aim of gradually losing weight over time, the goal of a crash diet is to achieve rapid results.
A Crash Diet Can Achieve Weight Loss, But Not Weight Maintenance
If you have short term weight-loss goals, then there is the potential to lose some weight. However, people who subject themselves to dramatic weight-loss often struggle with weight maintenance. Once a crash diet stops you return to your regular eating patterns, the weight that was lost will quickly be regained.
You Could Be Depriving Yourself of Nutrients
Undertaking a crash diet can be troublesome. The body requires different nutrients in order to function properly. You need to be eating a balanced range of food in healthy portions. Quite often, the concern around food is eating too much, therefore a crash diet appears logical because food intake is reduced.
However, completely cutting out certain foods and drastically reducing your calorie intake can be a problem. You could be depriving your body of essential nutrients. As a result, when you return to eating normally the body will replenish what it has lost. Cutting calories too quickly can negatively effect hormone function, metabolism, bone health and reproductive function.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
The best way to achieve effective weight loss and maintenance is eating a balanced diet, regularly exercising and being consistent. Admittedly, crash diets do seem attractive because of how quickly the results can be seen. Nevertheless, it isn’t sustainable. Although eating in moderation and remaining consistent can seem gruelling, it will promise better, long-term results that will ultimately benefit your health.
If you are seriously overweight, are worried about your health or simply haven’t exercised in a long time, it is best to talk to your GP, so you can take the best course of action that can be suited to you and your needs.
