Rapid weight loss diets may sound like a dream come true to busy moms, but they can do more harm than good when used frequently, according to the Mayo Clinic. Like almost anything else in the fitness and diet world, “slow and steady” usually lasts longer and creates less health risks to dieters. However, you can usually safely use quick weight loss diets to boost your initial weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
When you lose weight quickly, you may not be losing fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes, water and even valuable muscle tone are what you shed during a rapid weight loss diet. Also, keep in mind that many quick weight loss diets require a great deal of willpower; you might not want to sustain much effort toward exercising and diet for more than a brief amount of time.
Types
Low-carb diets usually are ideal for rapid weight loss efforts, according to the Mayo Clinic. These come in a number of variations from the Mayo Clinic Diet to the Atkins Diet. Most of these diets limit your intake of carbohydrates, including fruits and vegetables, and emphasize protein choices.
Function
When you use a low-carb diet for rapid weight loss, the aim is to get your body to break down sugar and stored fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, there is little scientific evidence to indicate that this type of weight loss effort will actually decrease your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Time Frame
In the first two weeks of low-carb diets, you might lose as much as 6-to-10 lbs. of your body weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is markedly increased from the usual 1-to-2 lbs. a week that other dieters may lose. However, keep in mind that, as your dieting progresses, your weight loss will likely slow to the standard 1-to-2 lbs. per week. This is actually healthy and will likely help you keep the weight off for much longer.
Expert Insight
Dieters who are significantly overweight might consider using a FDA-approved prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss drug to boost their rapid weight loss efforts, according to the Mayo Clinic. This decision should never be taken lightly; all diet drugs carry the risk of side effects, ranging from uncontrollable bowel movements to dry mouth. However, those dieters who use prescription Xenical or Meridia usually lose about 5 to 11 more pounds a year than people who just tried diet and exercise alone. Also, the OTC drug Alli, a lower dosage of Xenical, may allow you to lose an extra 3 lbs. each year.
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