Dangers of Dieting With Very low calorie diets
I am writing this article with great concern for people trying to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. Many patients we see at Advanced Anti-aging and Weight Loss are so desperate they will “try anything” to lose excess weight. Before you “try anything” please consider the following information.
Weight Loss is a specialty field. Do not trust your health and weight loss to anyone other than a practitioner that can determine, with your input, the best way for you to safely lose the weight. This information is based on your past and present health history, your goals, your lifestyle and your support systems you may or may not have. Only then will you be confident in your choice of programs and will be able to proceed towards your weight loss goal with the assurance of knowing that the program chosen is designed to work specifically for you.
It is not healthy to lose weight by starving yourself. Very low calorie dieting may cause tissue damage that will likely be permanent. You will find that a great portion of your weight loss, while on a very low calorie diet, will come from muscle and bone loss. This loss may result in an increase of skin breakdown in your face or other body areas areas that may have had accumulated fat. Take note that most gastric bypass patients have extreme amounts of excess skin after rapid weight loss. Most of the loose skin damage can be accounted for from very low calorie dieting (lack of nutrition) alone. This does not have to happen to you. Rapid weight loss can be achieved with little to no skin, bone or muscle damage. This is accomplished by setting your diet up to burn mostly fat and spare muscle and bone. This also allows you to maintain your energy level while having little to no hunger. This can only be done by medical weight loss program that targets fat. Loosing the fat is the goal, not just loosing weight.
Weekly monitoring while on a restrictive diet is extremely important. Closely monitoring your progress and health status is vital to your weight loss success. Dieting is a lifestyle change.The proper medical program that may average 3-7 lbs of fat loss per week when followed accurately, will lessen the time needed to diet and keep you feeling energized, motivated and SAFE during the process.
When deciding which diet is best for you ask for the following frOm the provider:
- Will I see a medical doctor?
- Do I get lab tests prior to dispensing medications?
- If medications are used, what are the side effects?
- Do you have special programs for certain health conditions (i.e. Diabetes, Hypertension, Metabolic syndrome X, Chronic Fatigue)?
- How will the medications affect my metabolism?
- Will I be monitored weekly?
- Is a doctor available if I have problems/concerns?
- Is there alternative programs available for my lifestyle?
- Could I see testimonials from people who have finished this program?
If the diet center cannot provide the information above, I would suggest finding another provider. Your life, Your Health, Your Choice!
If you would like any more information about the anything in this article please email DRS@evansvilleWeightLoss.com or call the office 812-858-9800
Yours in health,
James A. Coomes, MD
Board Certified Physician
Medical Director of Advanced Anti-Aging & Weight Loss
