According to many experts, losing 1 to 2 pounds (0.45—0.9 kg) per week is a healthy and safe rate. Losing more than that is considered too fast and could put you at risk for many health problems, such as loss of muscle mass, gallstones, nutritional deficiencies, and a decrease in metabolism. Unexplained weight loss or weight loss without trying, especially if it is significant or persistent, may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Unexplained weight loss is a noticeable drop in body weight that occurs even if the person is not trying to lose weight.
In a traditional diet, rapid weight loss is the loss of more than 2 pounds in 1 week. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 pound equals 3500 calories, so losing more than 2 pounds in 1 week would require a calorie deficit through a combination of diet and exercise of more than 1000 calories per day. If you create the deficit through diet, it can be very difficult to get the nutrients you need. If you create the deficit through exercise, you risk overtraining.
Reducing 250 to 500 calories from your diet every day and burning an extra 250 to 500 calories through exercise can lead to a safe and healthy weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be cause for concern and may indicate an underlying condition. It can be caused by a stressful event, such as a divorce, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. It can also be due to malnutrition, a health problem, or a combination of things.
Fast diets for weight loss can have adverse effects, but so does obesity. For this reason, very low calorie diets (VLCDs) are considered a reasonable weight loss option for people with obesity (with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30) who need rapid weight loss for a specific purpose, such as weight-loss surgery. Diet for fast weight loss is a type of diet in which more than 2 pounds (1 kilogram, kg) are lost per week for several weeks. To lose weight so quickly, you eat too few calories.
In particular, the amount of sleep you sleep and the level of stress you experience influence weight management. Whether weight loss is intentional or unintentional, if you develop gallstones as a result, weight loss is too fast. Antiretroviral therapy is used to treat HIV and stop the spread of the virus and may improve weight loss. In cases of prolonged weight loss where you lose more than 10% of your body weight over a 6-month period, there is often a more serious underlying medical problem that requires attention.
There are prescription drugs for weight loss, although none are intended to lose weight quickly and there may be side effects. However, many doctors agree that a medical evaluation is required if you lose more than 5 percent of your weight in six months to a year, especially if you're an older adult. You should see your doctor if you have lost more than 5 percent of your body weight or 10 pounds without trying in a period of 6 to 12 months. Achieving a healthy physique isn't just about losing weight to fall into the acceptable weight range; you could be heavier than someone who is fatter simply because they have more muscle.
If you have a health condition, it's a good idea to talk to your provider before starting this or any weight-loss diet plan. Extreme weight loss deprives the body of essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy functioning.
