Another rant - losing weight quickly is unhealthy.
roguex_1979
Posts: 247 Member
I saw someone ranting on another message board about how she was annoyed that some people appeared to lose weight quickly and be proud of it when it is unhealthy to do so, and the responses went over two pages, so my response probably got lost amongst them, but I want to rant about this subject too and I'm sure a lot of people will agree with me:
Losing weight quickly is NOT unhealthy! Not unless you're of a good healthy weight already or underweight. If you are overweight/ obese/morbidly obese, the quicker you get to a healthier weight the better!!
I think it's ridiculous how people can say that losing a lot of weight in a short time is dangerous. It's NOT dangerous. The only problem with losing the weight quickly means three things:
1. Your skin doesn't have time to adjust/tighten and people will be left with excess skin. This is in the case of gastric bypasses where you lose the weight quickly because you CAN'T eat very much. This means your deficit is huge and therefore you lose weight more quickly. (This also brings into question the whole 'starvation mode' thing. People who have Gastric bypass surgery have no choice but to eat minimum amounts of food, unless you're having high protein shakes etc to cover the calorie deficit, and not one of the doctors performing the surgery will bring this up...so it can't be dangerous.) And programmes like the Biggest Loser support huge losses! 10lbs a week is celebrated because you are closer to your goal. Losing only 1-2lbs a week is frowned upon because the amount you eat and exercise on the ranch means you SHOULD be losing lots of weight quickly. Again, these people are professionals and are endorsed by doctors, so it CAN'T be dangerous!
2. You can get addicted to the weight loss, although this is true for anyone no matter how quickly you lose it, but losing the weight quickly means your mind hasn't adjusted and you might still think you're fat even after you reach your goal, and therefore your weight loss can go in the opposite direction and you might lose too much and become unhealthy in the opposite direction. If you jog down a hill rather than run at full speed, it's easier to stop at the bottom.
3. The only reason people who lose the weight quickly often regain 'quicker' is because they haven't learned the value of their food and think once they've lost it, they can go back to eating how they want. It doesn't matter if you take a month or a year to lose 20lbs, if you then go back to eating in excess of 3500 cals a week, you will put ON a pound a week. Just because you've lost the weight over a longer period of time doesn't mean if you go back to eating unhealthily that it will take longer to put it all back on. That is utter rubbish and people who believe this are delusional. People who work HARD over a lnoger period of time to lose the weight realise that eating the way they used to is what made them fat and unhealthy and are therefore more unlikely to fll back to their old regime.
That is all. Sorry. Rant on my part over.
Losing weight quickly is NOT unhealthy! Not unless you're of a good healthy weight already or underweight. If you are overweight/ obese/morbidly obese, the quicker you get to a healthier weight the better!!
I think it's ridiculous how people can say that losing a lot of weight in a short time is dangerous. It's NOT dangerous. The only problem with losing the weight quickly means three things:
1. Your skin doesn't have time to adjust/tighten and people will be left with excess skin. This is in the case of gastric bypasses where you lose the weight quickly because you CAN'T eat very much. This means your deficit is huge and therefore you lose weight more quickly. (This also brings into question the whole 'starvation mode' thing. People who have Gastric bypass surgery have no choice but to eat minimum amounts of food, unless you're having high protein shakes etc to cover the calorie deficit, and not one of the doctors performing the surgery will bring this up...so it can't be dangerous.) And programmes like the Biggest Loser support huge losses! 10lbs a week is celebrated because you are closer to your goal. Losing only 1-2lbs a week is frowned upon because the amount you eat and exercise on the ranch means you SHOULD be losing lots of weight quickly. Again, these people are professionals and are endorsed by doctors, so it CAN'T be dangerous!
2. You can get addicted to the weight loss, although this is true for anyone no matter how quickly you lose it, but losing the weight quickly means your mind hasn't adjusted and you might still think you're fat even after you reach your goal, and therefore your weight loss can go in the opposite direction and you might lose too much and become unhealthy in the opposite direction. If you jog down a hill rather than run at full speed, it's easier to stop at the bottom.
3. The only reason people who lose the weight quickly often regain 'quicker' is because they haven't learned the value of their food and think once they've lost it, they can go back to eating how they want. It doesn't matter if you take a month or a year to lose 20lbs, if you then go back to eating in excess of 3500 cals a week, you will put ON a pound a week. Just because you've lost the weight over a longer period of time doesn't mean if you go back to eating unhealthily that it will take longer to put it all back on. That is utter rubbish and people who believe this are delusional. People who work HARD over a lnoger period of time to lose the weight realise that eating the way they used to is what made them fat and unhealthy and are therefore more unlikely to fll back to their old regime.
That is all. Sorry. Rant on my part over.
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Replies
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Bump. Let the games begin!0
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Bring it on!
:explode:0 -
In my opinion the main thing that could be unhealthy is if you have a huge calorie deficit every day you may not be getting enough food to meet all your nutritional requirements. Of course you can take supplements or whatever. I dunno? I guess I don't feel that strongly about it. I lose between .5-3 lbs a week so I'm about where I should be here.0
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BUMP cause I agree and want to see what others have to say
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I agree with you, I posted about this on another thread but got no response.
For me, I am losing weight quickly. I am also making very nutritious choices and working out. Just because I'm losing weight quickly does not mean I'm starving myself, so I would never judge other people by that. Just like I wouldn't judge someone who loses weight slowly.
For me, it was a medical condition. I gained 39 lbs in a year and a half due to undiagnosed hypothyroid. I gained fast, it makes sense that I'd lose fast once I was on medication and able to get active again.
My mom on the other hand, she does not have hypo thyroid, but she is losing on average about 3 lbs a week. We are both eating healthy foods which includes meat and dairy! At the end of the day, we are full and satisfied, not hungry.
I do agree with the dangers of getting *addicted* to weight loss, but as long as someone still has a healthy BMI or is working toward a healthy BMI, then they are fine. If they regain, it's because they overate again, not because they lost too fast. I've always eaten healthy and my thyroid caused me to gain, so it doesnt make sense that I would regain just because I lost weight fast, I'm not going to sit down and eat a bag of doritos and a tub of ice cream when I reach my goal weight.0 -
Personally, saggy skin and muscle loss aren't my idea of fun.0
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Quick weight loss often = big calorie deficits which means nutrients needs might not be being met, and for most people big deficits are not sustainable over a long period of time leading people to give up.
It also often results in muscle loss. Ya know how it takes a deficit of 3500 calories to burn a pound of fat, well if you burned only muscle, a pound of muscle only produces 600 calories. Losing muscle with your fat is somewhat unavoidable, but I'd rather keep as much muscle as possible.0 -
Just to clarify...not everyone who has weight loss surgery experiences the saggy skin--at least not in a way that can't be remedied. I can attest to this after having a VSG.
My butt, belly and boobs needed some help after the 125 pounds came off in 10 months. That said, I started biking and running and all is well or on its way to awesome in those three areas, now.
Rant on, sistah! I'm with ya!0 -
On the Biggest Loser, they are under constant medical supervision. Unless you have a live-in doctor, or you visit a doctor every single day, then you shouldn't try to do what they do. That's just stupid.0
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Personally, saggy skin and muscle loss aren't my idea of fun.
You know I went from 135 to 225 within a 9 month period 4 years ago (pregnancy and overdoing it ha) and after I had my 9lb baby I lost down to about 210 ish...I then went from 210 to 150 within 5 months...I ate below 1200 calories per day and lifted weights every single day (not Sundays) My body was BANGIN' after that and remained so for about 2 years then I went on a downward emotional spiral of emotions and depression and stuffed my face and stopped working out and gained about 50 back (and more
) so I know from personal experience fast weight loss most definitely does not equal loose skin 
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Hi I started the Atkins diet a week ago and have lost 7 pounds. I started exercising on Jan 16 and have been doing so every day at the gym, and counting calories, but the weight wasn't coming off. So after three weeks(which was last week) I decided to do the Atkins diet which is very low carb, and the weight is falling off. I feel better than ever! I still exercise, I have plenty of energy, and I love the way I feel and look. Although I have twenty more to go, I can see a difference. Nobody will convince me that this is the wrong way to lose weight. In fact, when I ate carbs, I was more tired than I am now.0
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I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:0
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I'm not disagreeing with you, but I think the biggest difference between surgery patients and The Biggest Loser contestants vs. "Average Joe on the Internet" is that the first two are heavily supervised, and have the benefit of doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts working on their behalf, and helping to guide them through their weight loss, and yes surgery patients have to take supplements and meet minimum protein requirements in order to stay healthy post surgery. That's not to say, at all, that Average Joe can't either recruit his doctor's assistance, obtain a nutritionist, or do the research for himself (through reputable medical or scientific sources) and have similar results. It's just a lot less likely. And I think the Average Joe who just wings it is what that other poster was railing against.0
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I'm an average jo, and I'm winging it, and it's working. So why go to a doctor?0
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I'm not disagreeing with you, but I think the biggest difference between surgery patients and The Biggest Loser contestants vs. "Average Joe on the Internet" is that the first two are heavily supervised, and have the benefit of doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts working on their behalf, and helping to guide them through their weight loss, and yes surgery patients have to take supplements and meet minimum protein requirements in order to stay healthy post surgery. That's not to say, at all, that Average Joe can't either recruit his doctor's assistance, obtain a nutritionist, or do the research for himself (through reputable medical or scientific sources) and have similar results. It's just a lot less likely. And I think the Average Joe who just wings it is what that other poster was railing against.
Interesting point! I still am under my doctor's supervision and you're right, access to the right folks, blood work once a year...all of it has played an important role in my success.0 -
I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:
Little harsh?0 -
I think you need to define "quickly." Some heavy people (3000 pounds and up) can lose over 10 pounds a week when they just start out. But that might be crazy to someone that weighted 100-110. If you are not getting "proper nutrients" due to lack of calories and that's how you're losing weight, then I think it is unhealthy. That's just my opinion.0
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I guess it depends on what you call unhealthy. I remember several months back reading a study about people on a VLC diet. They not only studied the changes in hormone levels while on the diet, but also a year after stopping. Even after a year the hormones had not returned to normal resulting in an increased likelihood of weight gain. What that study indicates, but does not prove as more similar studies are needed, is that there is a way to lose weight that causes long term negative changes to your hormone levels.0
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I hardly ever reply to anything. However, I am so happy to see this post...I'm just giddy. I know about half dozen people who have lost weight so quick it made my head spin. Only two of them gained weight back. Mainly because their mindset was never where it needed to be in the first place. Once the new clothes and new compliments started coming they got complacent and quickly went back to old ways. One of which who was insistent that the only way she could eat vegetables was if she fried them. Everyone wants to spit how everyone's journey is different, but then knock others when their choice happens to be the total opposite of theirs. I have personally seen quick weight loss not lead to disaster. I have seen low calorie diets work for 6-9 months and with the proper idea toward food and portion control when they return to normal eating they haven't returned to previous weight and some even continue to lose.
One person I speak of is my aunt. She went on Nurtisystem and for some reason I can't remember switched to Medifast and was dropping 20 pounds here and 10 pounds there in weeks time. She had got to a point to where she was almost 400 pounds. I was in high school when she reached her healthy weight. She did nothing but swim and lift weights for exercise. I'm 34 years old and she is always within 5 pounds of healthy weight. That's over 10 years success of keeping weight off after quick loss. This time frame includes the death of a sister, mother and a divorce.0 -
I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:
Little harsh?
Life is harsh.0 -
I've lost 70 lbs since Oct. Yep, in 4 months I've lost a huge amount of weight. I'm also taking Phentermine and I know how everyone supports those taking Phentermine.. I also work my *kitten* off (literally) at the gym everyday and I eat healthy. I haven't had fast food in 4 months, I've cut out all sodas and drink only water. It's simple science, when you have tons of weight to lose, restricting your calories causes it to come off at a rapid rate. Does that mean its unhealthy? No!!!!! I still have muscle tone, I have actually been sick LESS, my hair and skin look great, and I feel great!!! I have a word for people who bash those for losing weight quickly it's called HATERS!!!! . 0
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There is a difference between "losing weight quickly" because you are eating a reasonable amount of food, but incurring really big deficits and losing weight quickly due to a very low calorie diet (VLCD), or even a VLCD combined with a lot of exercise.
By that I mean someone who is eating 1500-1800 calories a day but burning 3000-3500 is likely going to do better than someone at less than 800 calories/day.
There are no absolutes, so you can't say that someone "will" fail losing weight quickly on a VLCD, but the odds are stacked against them. The hard facts are that 90+% regain all the weight back within 2 years.
And losing a lot of weight--no matter how you do it--results in long-term changes in metabolism and chemical responses to hunger and food that predisposes one to regaining weight. It's not clear if the effects are permanent but they seem to persist for a couple of years at least. Someone who follows a well-structured eating plan and continues to exercise vigorously just has a better set of tools to deal with the future.
But I agree that the "1-2 lbs per week" is more a general guideline and not a hard and fast rule that absolutely applies to everyone. I didn't plan it this way, but my average calorie deficit for 5 straight months was 1875 calories per day. Didn't lose any muscle (actually gained a little), didn't ever eat more than 20% of my calories from protein, and, at the end, had my metabolism tested with a metabolic cart and it was precisely at the predicted level for my age, gender and weight.0 -
I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:
Little harsh?
Life is harsh.
It is what you make of it.0 -
I only think that losing weight quickly is bad, is because for some people, it is often due to under eating. For those who aren't obese, and just want to 'shed a few', losing more than 1-2 pounds a week can often be due to an unhealthy deficit. But for those who are losing quickly because they are active, good for you! 0
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On the Biggest Loser, they are under constant medical supervision. Unless you have a live-in doctor, or you visit a doctor every single day, then you shouldn't try to do what they do. That's just stupid.
Also on the BL they are training 8+ hrs a day. They have trainers, medical staff and a nutritionist. What they do on that show is great! But it is also unrealistic in the real world. Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm saying it really shouldn't be done, at least not without VERY CLOSE medical supervision. Also it is a proven statistic that people who lose the weight slow and steady by making lifestyle changes have the most LONG term success.0 -
I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:
Little harsh?
Life is harsh.
It is what you make of it.
I thought it was like a box of chocolates.0 -
I've lost 70 lbs since Oct. Yep, in 4 months I've lost a huge amount of weight. I'm also taking Phentermine and I know how everyone supports those taking Phentermine.. I also work my *kitten* off (literally) at the gym everyday and I eat healthy. I haven't had fast food in 4 months, I've cut out all sodas and drink only water. It's simple science, when you have tons of weight to lose, restricting your calories causes it to come off at a rapid rate. Does that mean its unhealthy? No!!!!! I still have muscle tone, I have actually been sick LESS, my hair and skin look great, and I feel great!!! I have a word for people who bash those for losing weight quickly it's called HATERS!!!! .
I'm a congratulator you GO girl 0 -
I find it amusing when people who are 250+ who have lost 10 pounds suddenly become a nutritionist/health expert. I've been e-mailed by so many random people telling me how stupid I am, what I'm doing is wrong, and blah blah blah. Hey pot, meet kettle. What I decide to do is exactly that, what I decide, I'm not pushing it down your throat like you obviously did with Twinkies. I don't think it's anyone's business what another person is doing, I don't care how unhealthy you think it may be. I just can't believe how people can become all high and mighty people on here become. I would almost be okay with it if you have been really healthy your whole life, but come on, we're all on here for the same reason, who the eff are you to try and bring me or anyone else down? You know? Ugh, people...... /end rant. :happy:
Little harsh?
Life is harsh.
It is what you make of it.
I thought it was like a box of chocolates.
LOL! Not thing to say on a diet support website. LOL!0 -
I subscribe to the theory of slow but consistent loss as a result of small incremental changes to my diet combined with small incremental changes in exercise habits. Why?
For me, reasons include :
1. I'm In this for the long haul and want to build up good eating and exercise habits
2. Taking it easy with exercise minimizes the risk of injury
3. I want to take time to build muscle not just lose weight.
But of late, I am starting to re evaluate this. You see while I have achieved reasonable results with this approach, I have noticed that other Mfp friends have achieved more in a shorter space of time without apparent detrimental side effects. Indeed it is I whom have been injured and lost momentum of late.
Of course everyone is different and I'm not sure I have the discipline to do it any quicker.
So I guess the answer is likely to be : do what works for you!0 -
I think whatever you're doing, if it's working for you it's probably OK. My thoughts for my own weight loss this time around, is I'm not in any particularly great hurry.0
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