With the lifting of the ban, many people are starting to turn to shock diets such as hunger diets, detox programs and intense exercises to go on vacation and prepare for weddings. These diets, which are a short-term solution, can cause serious health problems by depriving the body of macro and micronutrients.

There are studies that show that rapid weight loss slows down the body’s metabolic rate and causes weight gain in the future. At the same time, shock diets cause weakening of the immune system, dehydration (severe water loss) and increase the risk of heart diseases.

Especially long-term low-calorie diet can lead to loss of heart muscle and increase the risk of heart attack.

In diets for rapid weight loss, carbohydrates and fats are generally not consumed completely. The long-term absence of carbohydrates and fats causes the body to provide the energy needed by the muscle.

In this case, the weight lost is not from fat but from muscle.

Along with the muscle, water is also excreted from the body. Rapid water loss also causes effects such as dehydration, constipation, headache, muscle cramps and low energy in individuals.

In fasting diets, leptin hormone levels, which control hunger and satiety, become unbalanced. Normal leptin level tells the brain whether there is enough fat in the body and signals satiety. However, a study emphasizes that in very low-calorie diets, an imbalance of leptin can cause eating obsession. This situation makes you feel more hungry.

At the same time, too rapid weight loss can have psychological consequences. Shock diets can trigger depression by reducing the level of serotonin hormone.

Unbalanced weight loss and gain processes increase the risk of diabetes by causing insulin resistance in individuals over time.

Losing weight is not just about calories, the important thing is to lose weight by eating enough and healthy. Slow and steady weight loss is the healthiest way to lose weight. It offers healthy and sustainable weight loss, better food choices, and quality sleep. At the same time, increasing physical activity in this process helps individuals lose weight, while reducing their stress.

Dietitian Büşra Burgazlı

Avrupa Şafak Hospital Dietitian