Rapid Weight Loss: For Better Or Worse?

It seems at that Americans have become obsessed with weight loss. Just watch late night television, or early Sunday mornings at the multitude of weight loss infomercials there are. And everyone has a product or machine or routine that will get you fit, and quick!

With as many people wanting to lose weight in the drop of a hat, there are that many more risks of losing weight too fast. Although it is possible to lose weight, even just a few pounds, in a relatively quick period of time, you need to know the dangers associated with rapid weight loss.

Rapid weight loss has almost become an epidemic, and a major concern of the medical industry. Each year, in the United States, hundreds of thousands of Americans are attempting to drop the pounds rapidly, but the results could be extremely harmful for your health. Quick weight loss can increase your risk of gallstones, mineral and electrolyte imbalances, arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure, and low blood sugar; all of which can be life threatening.

One of the most important elements in losing weight is your diet. And yes, you have to eat. Many people make the misconception that they will lose weight by fasting or cutting out meals, but in actuality, it's the opposite. The only way to lose weight is by speeding your metabolism; and you need to feed your metabolism in order for it perform properly.

Therefore, a much better alternative is to cut back on the fatty foods that you do eat, and replace them with healthy foods that will fuel your metabolism. Going without food, for even a short period of time, can be dangerous to your health. Vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown and blood sugar problems, not to mention frequent liquid bowel movements, are some of the seriously unpleasant drawbacks to these plans, which are skimpy on solid foods and often call for laxatives.

Exercise is the second important component in losing weight the right way; but it is important that you do not overdo it, especially if you haven't had a regular exercise plan. Running on the treadmill for three hours, instead of a healthy thirty-minute interval, may appear to reduce your calorie intake, but, at the same time, it may also cause serious physical damage to your shins, knees, and lower back, and could very well land you in the hospital. If you follow a cardio regime of 30 minutes a day for three or four days a week, you will see amazing results, not to mention the benefit that your heart and lungs will receive.

Many Americans turn to diet pills or body cleanses to lose weight. If you chose this route, you should do it in addition to a nutritious meal plan and exercise plan. And by all means, consult your physician first. Researching the supplement or diet aide can save your life. Check product reviews to see its effectiveness, study the side effects to know what to watch out for.

Your attitude should be to lose weight for a healthier and longer life, not for a social event on the horizon. Being fit should be a way of life, to extend your life. Get thin quick schemes could actually have the opposite effect.

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