Effects of crash dieting on your body
A new year calls for many new year's resolutions, which include amping up the ante on our fitness game and losing a few pounds we gained over the holidays.
While our goal can inspire us to hit the treadmill, many people resort to shortcuts like going through a crash that may affect their overall health.
A crash diet is considered one of the fastest way to weight loss because it restricts one calorie intake. However, being on a very low-calorie diet for a long period may lead to eating disorders, compromised immunity, hair loss, and irregular menstruation.
According to Doc Oyie Balburrias, Pinoy MD's resident internist, “Once dineprive mo ang iyong katawan, mag-a-adapt at mag-a-adjust ang ating katawan doon at magdudulot ito ng consequences sa iyong metabolismo, sa iyong body system, sa iyong blood pressure, mental health, at marami pang iba.”
Doc Oyie explains that our bodies need three important macronutrients that are discarded when one goes through a crash diet.
These three important macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
“Kailangan balanse kasi ang tatlong macronutrients na kailangan ng ating katawan kaya pag bumaba ang iyong fatty acids, then maapektuhan yung iba't ibang sistema ng ating katawan lalo na ang utak,” he says.
“Kasi ang utak, 'yan ang pinakamatabang parte ng ating katawan. Mataas ang pangangailangan niya ng fatty acids. Kaya kung kulang ka ng ganun, then magkaka-consequences ang body mo later on.”
Aside from crash diets, another form of instant weight loss that people often resort to is diet pills.
“Ang problema sa diet pills is if may diuretic ingredient siya na pampaihi,” he adds.
“'Pag tagal tagal magkakaroon ng epekto ito sa potassium levels ng ating katawan. 'Pag umiinom tayo ng anything diuretic, lumalabas ang potassium natin.
“'Pag mababa ang ating potassium, magkakaroon ito ng epekto sa ating katawan tulad na lang ng heart palpitations at pagsakit ng ating puso. Importante kasi ang potassium sa ating blood levels.”
Doc Oyie says that a healthy weight loss ranges from one to two pounds a week and that one must achieve it through exercise and eating in moderation.
As Pinoy MD host Connie Sison says about her 40 lbs weight loss, “Kailangan lang talaga may disiplina at determination para maging successful sa ating fitness journey.
“Tandaan hindi ora-orada ang pagiging healthy at may dapat sundin upang maging ligtas at dapat itong pinaghihirapan.”
Watch more about crash diets in this video: