Avoid Rapid Weight Loss to Save Lean Muscle Mass

Unless you’re feeding your body adequate amounts of protein, fat, and fiber, you are likely to lose lean muscle tissue as well as strength. Moreover, you won’t have the lean mass to burn stored fat and your metabolism can slow down. Recent studies suggest both fast and slow weight loss plans can produce modest results over the long term. However, participants in both groups work with weight loss specialist to personalize his or her weight loss plan.

• Thinning or Loss of Hair - A major risk of fast weight loss is the chance of not consuming enough nutrients. After losing weight to quickly, hair loss can be a warning sign that you're deficient in protein, vitamins, or minerals.
• Menstrual Changes - Attaining a healthy weight can help women who have irregular periods to have cycles that are more regular; but losing weight too quickly can wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle.
• Change in Personal Relationships - If you and your partner are committed to living a healthier life, don’t make weight loss a competition and work together. This can benefit your relationship and prevent “trouble in paradise”.
• Depression and Withdrawal - Psychologically, there’s a certain feeling of success you feel when the numbers on your scale go down. Unfortunately, undernourishment can create a vicious cycle of not feeling good about yourself.
• Too Little Protein Intake - When you fail to consume enough protein during rapid weight loss, you can suffer from edema where your body retains fluids causing swelling in your extremities, especially your feet and ankles.
• Change in Liver Health - While fatty liver disease is commonly associated with obesity, rapid weight loss is a risk factor for developing liver damage due to the sudden changes in your fatty acid profile after your weight loss.

Shortcuts are awesome for using your computer. Unfortunately, quick fix diet plans are generally not successful for permanent weight loss. You may lose weight fast only to find yourself right back where you started. Most weight loss experts agree that yo-yo dieting or weight cycling can affect your mental and physical health. Plus, the more time you invest in failed diets, the longer it is going to take for you to reach your target weight and enjoy your new waistline. Visit the MRC weight loss center nearest you to learn more about our personalized approach.