People have been trying shocking diets for fast weight loss or weight loss programs since the 10th century when William The Conqueror invented “the all-liquid diet”. He became so fat that he could not get up on his horse. Wanting to lose weight fast, he decided to only drink liquids until he could mount his horse. Unfortunately, his liquid diet consisted of only alcohol! This diet did not work out well for him and he died from complications of a wound he suffered while trying to get back on his horse. He was still so large that he did not fit in the coffin.
Since then there have been fad diets, hypnosis, and all types of other alleged “faster weight loss” methods. Let’s take a look at why these faster ways to lose weight may not be the safest or the best way for weight loss that is sustainable.
Is Fast Weight Loss Safe?
Some weight loss diets claim to offer the fastest way to lose weight, and individuals may find that they work for them in the short term. However, it is important to note that these extreme weight loss measures are unbalanced and unsafe in the long term. Individuals may lose weight fast initially, but then quickly regain the weight they lost, and sometimes more, once they stop following these extreme weight loss diets.
Celebrities’ “Lose Weight Fast” Diets Should Not Be Enticing
Fad diets and popular diets may harm long-term health and lack essential nutrients. Don’t follow trends blindly like Lord Byron in the 18th century.
Lord Byron suffered from what we call “body image” today and historians believe his behavior vacillated between anorexia and bulimia. He felt terrified of becoming fat and even told friends that he would rather die than be fat. Lord Byron was 5’ 8” and fluctuated between 130 lbs and 200 lbs
He had very unhealthy eating habits and did all kinds of wild things to lose weight fast. His diet consisted of soda water potatoes soaked with vinegar, biscuits, some vegetables, and cigars. He wore multiple coats while exercising, believing it increased weight loss. He died at 36 due to a fever, possibly from malaria relapse, exacerbated by poor eating habits.
People consider Lord Byron as the first celebrity diet influencer due to his 1820 water and vinegar diet, which some women tragically attempted and died from. Today, people promote the apple cider vinegar diet as a quick weight loss solution, but excessive use can harm your teeth, throat, and stomach. It is best to prioritize a safe and balanced diet for sustainable weight loss, rather than following trends based on friends or celebrities.
Unbalanced Diets Are Still Being Used Today
People are still using unbalanced diets today to try to achieve quick weight loss. Some people have success with these diets and they do lose weight but the question becomes how long can they continue to follow these diets before their health suffers? Some popular unbalanced diets that are still used today include:
Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diets
Low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diets cause rapid initial weight loss due to water loss, not fat loss. Unfortunately, long-term adherence to these diets can result in metabolic disadvantages, including bone loss and elevated blood uric acid levels, potentially leading to gout or kidney stones. Also, the lack of dietary fiber from the many excluded fruits and veggies can increase the risk of cancer.
Low-Fat High-Carbohydrate Diets
Diets that fall into this category follow a plant-based protocol including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. At first, this may sound good but it may increase nutritional deficiencies because it does not include many other healthy food groups. These diets lack healthy fats, which the body needs to keep in optimal health.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential to our hearts, brain function, and human development and growth. Once again, a diet that is unbalanced or excludes necessary food groups can create nutritional deficiencies.
Extremely Low-Calorie Diets
Strictly limiting calorie intake offers fast weight loss with health benefits, including disease remission and reduced liver fat. However, super low-calorie or crash diets should not be attempted alone. Medically supervised diets ensure fast weight loss safely. Sustaining a very low-calorie diet alone is challenging and can cause side effects like heart arrhythmia, low blood sugar, dehydration, fatigue, constipation, hair loss, gout, gallstones, and micronutrient deficiency.
These diets require doctor supervision, especially before or after bariatric surgery, and with supplemental vitamins and minerals. Prioritize your well-being and seek professional guidance for drastic dietary changes.
Extreme Diets Offer Fast Weight Loss That Is Not Sustainable
Extreme diets that use unbalanced nutrition are not safe or sustainable long-term. To avoid yo-yo dieting, focus on making long-term lifestyle changes for fast and safe weight loss.
Optimize your diet for better health by adopting a balanced, low-calorie yet nutrient-rich approach. Incorporate ample physical exercise as well. A healthy diet entails consuming whole foods from each major food group, and avoiding pre-packaged, fast food, and processed items. By making these lifestyle changes, you’ll not only combat obesity but also provide your body with essential elements for overall well-being.
Your body is similar to a machine in that it requires certain things to continue to run smoothly without breaking down.
Would you put soda in your car gas tank? Of course not, that would result in irreparable damage to the fuel system and engine.
The same is true for your body. If you feed your body a constant diet of fast food, high-sugar drinks, and foods laced with chemicals that no one can even pronounce, it is going to break down. You need to give your body the right kind of fuel to keep it functioning properly.
Supervised Weight Loss Programs
If you have tried to lose weight on your own and have been unsuccessful, it might be time to get some help. One of the fastest ways to lose weight is to be an experienced board-certified bariatric doctor. At IBI Healthcare Institute, you can expect the highest level of individualized patient care and support.
Our supervised weight loss programs, both surgical and non-surgical, provide efficient and rapid results. With prescription weight loss medication, we enhance your weight loss journey, surpassing the results of self-management. Our dedicated team of professionals ensures that you achieve your weight loss goals, helping you regain optimal health.
Set up a consultation today and learn more about what fast weight loss options might be right for you!
