What happens when you lose weight quickly?

According to Dr. Vo Tran Nguyen Duy, Center for Weight Control and Obesity Treatment, Tam Anh General Hospital, safe weight loss is a loss of 2-4 kg a month. Faster weight loss can have short- to long-term health consequences.

Nutritional deficiency

Rapid weight loss is often caused by reducing calorie intake, leading to deficiencies in important nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The body does not receive enough nutrients causing fatigue, hair loss, anemia, weak bones, and poor immune function.

Muscle loss

Protein is the main ingredient for building and repairing muscles. If the body does not provide enough protein, muscles are broken down for energy, leading to muscle loss.

Dehydration

According to Dr. Duy, rapid weight loss is often the result of reduced water weight or dehydration, causing symptoms such as irritability and fatigue. Dehydration can also be a factor in promoting conditions such as kidney stones or impaired kidney function.

Electrolyte imbalance

Rapid weight loss causes the body to not have time to adapt to changes, causing stress within the body and electrolyte imbalance. This is a risk leading to heart diseases.

Body dysfunction

Rapid weight loss also affects the digestive system, nervous system and immune system, leading to health deterioration, metabolic disorders and other bodily dysfunctions.

Increased risk of gallstone formation

Gallstones are stones that develop due to cholesterol not being broken down in the gallbladder. The gallbladder helps digest fatty foods. When the body does not get enough food, these digestive juices form gallstones.

Dr. Duy said people who lose weight quickly often experience symptoms such as irritability, cramps, dizziness, constipation, and fainting when stressed. Besides, losing weight too quickly is an unsustainable solution. When returning to a normal diet, the body often responds by secreting hormones to encourage continued eating and fat storage, causing rapid weight gain.

To ensure health, obese people should lose weight slowly according to the instructions of a doctor or expert with a scientific diet, adequate nutrition, appropriate exercise, and intervention with medication if necessary.