Do You Want to Lose Weight Quick?
In the realm of weight loss, we all would rather lose weight quickly vs. lose weight slowly. However, most dietitians and physicians will tell you that losing weight slowly and consistently is the best approach.
Even so, most patients tell me: “I want to lose weight quickly”. They admit: “I know that slow is better for my health, but if I don’t lose some quick weight I’m not going to look good for my wedding/vacation/20 year reunion.” Doctors and dietitians are all instinctively trained to slow that person down and look at the big picture: “it’s best to take your time with weight loss”.
Who is right? Today’s article is an investigation into whether it is ultimately harmful or helpful to lose weight quickly.
Should You Lose Weight Quick or Slow? 
Losing Weight Quickly Is NOT The Way to Go
Because having a lot of extra weight can be detrimental to overall health, it might seem like trying to lose weight quickly would be the best approach: the faster it comes off, the faster you will be at a healthy weight. However, as anyone who has struggled with their weight will tell you: if you lose weight quickly, you will also gain the weight back very quickly.
So what does the research say is the better weight loss approach: losing weight quickly or taking your time? The research is pretty clear: trying to lose a bunch of quick weight is not only bad for your waistline but also may be dangerous.
Quick Weight Loss Danger #1
Decreased testosterone: Male or female, quick weight loss will do a number on your hormonal balance-especially in the area of testosterone.
Quick Weight Loss Danger #2
Dehydration: Many quick weight loss cures are only effective because they have some chemical compound in them that’s a diuretic. The weight is unfortunately not body fat, but simply water.
Quick Weight Loss Danger #3
Gallstones: Up to 25% of people who drop a bunch of quick weight end up will gallstones-a very painful condition that you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
Quick Weight Loss Danger #4
Electrolyte imbalances: the dehydration and semi-starvation from quick weight loss diets can combine for a life threatening dehydration effect.
As you can see, as tempting as quick weight loss can be, it doesn’t come without its risks.
Brian Dean MS, RD is a registered dietitian and researcher. After years of research, Brian has set his sights on helping those with lower back pain. He serves on the Medical Nutrition Committee for The American Society for Nutrition and is a professional member of numerous research organizations including the International Association for The Study of Pain, American Chronic Pain Society, and The American Dietetic Association. He recently created a research-based lower back pain treatment program , ‘The Back Pain Diet’ which is available from his website Stop Lower Back Pain.
People want to lose fat. But they say “weight”. The two are not the same.
Fast weight loss means losing water and muscle along with fat. That’s bad.
Slow weight loss means losing fat and probably gaining muscle at the same time. That’s good.
Remind them that they didn’t get where they are overnight, but they can lose fat faster than they gained it. I like to tell them to look down the road to 6 mos and 12 mos. Then it becomes more of a lifestyle change than a diet, which is really what will give long lasting results.
Hey Tony,
That’s absolutely true. People are so obsessed with weight loss that they forget that most really quick weight loss consists mostly of precious muscle mass.
I like what you are saying about looking long term: it’s better for body composition as well as sticking with the diet.
I found that losing weight is not that hard as anyone would think. It sure takes commitment and following a simple plan but the key element is persistance.
You need to monitor the calories, lose the junk food, sodas, sweets and do some physical exercises. I myself love dancing. And remember to use a fat burner to accelerate the fat metabolism.