Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Understanding the Paradox of “Too Much” Weight Loss

Understanding the Paradox of “Too Much” Weight Loss
19 June, 2025

People who want to lose weight are usually pleased that the extra pounds disappear quickly. Few people consider the dangers of excessive weight loss. Fast weight loss is not safe. And there are many problems behind the popularity of extreme diets that promise rapid results. After all, everything is good in moderation. The body must have time to adapt to changes. You should also get nutrients in the right amount.

Fast weight loss with the help of trendy diets and supplements can disrupt the functioning of your body and bring you many problems. How to avoid this? Let’s discuss it!

Too Much Weight Loss Is Dangerous!

Many people are obsessed with the idea of ​​​​losing weight. For example, in the US, consumers spend $33 billion a year on weight loss products. Many marketers promise instant weight loss, and their products sell out quickly, generating substantial profits for manufacturers. But what about the health of consumers? Let us look at some popular offers for quick weight loss:

Starvation diets

The diet encourages fasting and strictly limits what foods you can eat. A starvation diet involves a strict restriction on food intake and, therefore, calories. The deficiency of nutrients in such a diet will lead to the use of the body’s internal reserves. As a result, fat deposits will begin to decrease first. For example, the singer Beyoncé popularized the starvation diet “master cleanse,” which involves drinking a mixture of water, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and maple syrup.

However, such a diet has strict restrictions! And extending it for one and a half to two weeks is strictly contraindicated. After all, this is how you can start pathological processes that will negatively affect your body. Additionally, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor. This diet is also strictly contraindicated for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those who may be at risk of eating disorders or other psychological problems.

Very Low-Calorie Diets

Such diets involve consuming less than 800 kcal per day. This requires mandatory medical supervision. Such diets are often used before weight loss surgery. They are recommended to be followed for 12 weeks or less. But no more!

Supplements and Diet Pills

Many companies that produce dietary supplements claim to accelerate weight loss. These supplements are purported to block the absorption of nutrients, increase metabolism, or aid in fat burning. They typically contain plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals, which, according to the manufacturers, are designed to promote weight loss. Unfortunately, not all of them are safe and effective. Before using them, consult your doctor.

Creams and Other Options

Some manufacturers recommend creams as a means for extreme weight loss. But do not believe these dubious ideas. If you are promised weight loss with a cream or some device, and you allegedly do not need to follow a diet or exercise, do not believe it. The Federal Trade Commission has made it clear that such claims are not true.

Should I lose weight fast?

Many people who want to lose weight want to do everything quickly. However, not all diets are safe. Extreme diets can lead to harmful consequences for one’s health. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting a weight loss program. Be cautious of over-the-counter weight loss products. The US FDA regulates dietary supplements, treating them as food rather than drugs.

Unfortunately, the FDA does not regulate the claims made by over-the-counter weight loss products. So, companies promising instant and safe weight loss may be misleading you. Supplement manufacturers, unlike drug manufacturers, are not required to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products. So, dietary supplements do not need FDA approval before being released to the market. Do not believe in quick fixes and magic weight loss cures! Only a significant reduction in calories, combined with exercise, brings results.

Weight Loss Health Risks

Fast weight loss puts much stress on the body.

Gallstones may develop in 12% to 25% of people who lose a large amount of weight over several months. Electrolyte imbalances may also occur, which can be life-threatening in some cases.

Dehydration is also familiar with crash diets. But it can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids. Not eating enough protein for several weeks is unfavorable.

Weight Loss Side Effects

Extreme diets have side effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Menstrual irregularities in women
  • Hair loss

The danger of rapid weight loss increases with the length of time spent on the diet. Never avoid medical supervision.

How to Diet Properly?

Please keep it in moderation. Losing weight to a normal weight means getting your health back on track. However, you must lose weight properly!

A very low-calorie diet is sometimes relevant for some people with obesity because they already face serious health problems associated with excess weight. Such problems include diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher may consider this diet. However, before starting a rapid weight loss program, it is essential to consult a doctor. A specialist will provide recommendations, often in collaboration with a nutritionist, for a personalized program.

Losing excess weight can also reduce the risk of certain cancers, including postmenopausal breast cancer, as well as colon, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. However, moderation is good in everything.

But super-restrictive diets have many caveats. They can easily lead to other health problems. Cutting calories drastically can cause you to lose not only fat but also muscle mass. It also slows down your metabolism, which is the way your body burns calories.

Some rapid weight loss programs involve cutting out entire food groups. This can lead to fatigue, hair loss, constipation, decreased bone density, and a weakened immune system. So, VLCD diets are considered a reasonable weight loss option for obese people who need rapid weight loss for a specific purpose.

Most people who want to lose weight quickly usually do it on their own. And that’s the mistake! You should inform your doctor about your actions and ensure that you include protein in your diet. Additionally, consider taking a multivitamin and incorporating foods rich in potassium into your diet.

Conclusion

Unhealthy weight loss is hazardous. So be sure to consult with specialists. Our team has extensive experience and is ready to help you achieve a healthy, normal weight. At our Bariatric Surgery Center, we perform three primary bariatric surgeries designed to help reduce weight: gastric bypass, gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. We take an individual approach to each patient, considering your health and all your wishes. Please call us.