Why You Shouldn’t Lose More Than Two Pounds Per Week
Summary
Losing more than two pounds of weight per week can result in adverse metabolism and health complications.
Body
Most people who have struggled with excess weight desire to lose as many pounds as possible within the shortest time. The idea of losing only the recommended 2 pounds in a week can make one impatient. Read below to understand why you shouldn’t lose more than two pounds a week and the benefits of low and steady weight loss.
What Happens When You Cut Your Calorie Intake Too Low?
Using dieting as a weight loss technique means that you reduce the calorie intake by cutting down on food consumption. The human body requires an average of 2000 to 2500 calories in a day to maintain weight. One pound (0.45kg) of fat consists of 3,500 calories, so, to lose two pounds per week, you have to create a deficit of 7,000 calories. If, for example, you switch to a 600-calorie diet, your body will react to the reduced calorie intake by lowering its metabolism to conserve energy. Eventually, the body will adapt to this low metabolism rate, and with time, you will notice that the less you eat, the less weight you lose.
The Effects of Rapid Weight Loss
When you starve your body by consuming a smaller number of calories compared to the ones you burn, the cells start using your stored energy (glycogen). You may experience rapid weight loss, but once the body exhausts the available glycogen, the cells will break down the proteins in your lean muscles. The breakdown of amino acids requires high levels of energy, and this process can bring about side effects. You may experience fatigue,
, dehydration, reduced immunity, hair loss, and weakening of muscles.
How to Maintain Steady Weight Loss
Regaining weight is a nightmare for any person who has struggled with the effects of extra pounds. Losing weight at a slow rate is the most effective way to sustain weight loss consistency. This method will help your body to gradually adapt to the change, hence prevent the side effects of rapid weight loss. You will also have a chance to restructure your eating behavior and adjust to physical exercise. It is advisable to seek support from dietitians and doctors during weight loss for long term results.
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and consulting with a physician are crucial elements of a weight loss journey. At Garden State Elite Medi Center, we provide medically supervised weight loss programs tailored to accommodate individual needs. We conduct a full body composition assessment to determine the effective weight loss program for each client. Consult us to learn more about our programs.