About Rapid Weight Loss

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By Sandra Ketcham
eHow Contributing Writer

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Losing weight is a goal for many people, but losing weight too quickly can be detrimental to overall health. Moreover, unintentional rapid weight loss can be a sign of a serious medical disorder and requires professional evaluation and treatment. Understanding the causes and effects of rapid weight loss is the first step to improving
and maintaining optimum health.

Types

Rapid weight loss can be categorized as intentional or unintentional. Many diets and appetite suppressants can result in rapid weight loss, and some individuals may experience a significant loss of weight soon after beginning a new exercise program. This intentional weight loss is often rapid, dramatic and short term. Unintentional rapid weight loss is not caused by a change in diet or activity, and can be a symptom of a digestive disorder or some other illness. This type of rapid weight loss is often accompanied by other signs of illness or malnutrition.

Significance

Rapid weight loss can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, including gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer and diabetes. Additionally, some medications such as antidepressants may cause rapid weight loss. Losing more than 10 percent of your total weight over a period of six months or less should be considered a serious medical symptom, and you should visit your doctor for a full evaluation.

Effects

While intentional rapid weight loss is typically not a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the negative effects of rapid weight loss caused by excessive dieting and exercise can be considerable, and may include dehydration, heart strain and kidney disorders. Unintentional weight loss is typically triggered by an underlying medical condition, and should always be considered a red flag. Although only a symptom of another disorder, the negative health effects can be equally damaging to organs and to the body as a whole. Additionally, rapid weight loss can impair the immune symptom, leaving the body unable to cope with the underlying medical condition that is responsible for the weight loss.

Prevention/Solution

Prevention of intentional rapid weight loss involves following good exercise and dietary practices and a consultation with your physician or nutritionist before making any significant changes to your diet. Prevention of unintentional weight loss is more difficult, but good medical care, regular checkups, and a healthy lifestyle will ensure you are able to maintain a healthy and active life. Prompt treatment of underlying medical conditions is the best way to prevent and treat unintentional rapid weight loss.

Warning

Excessive dieting and exercise, and the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter diet pills, can seriously harm your health. Discuss any concerns you have about your health or weight with your regular doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise program. Many supplements that claim to produce rapid weight loss merely pull fluids from the body, resulting in dehydration and temporary loss of weight. Do not use over-the-counter diet pills or appetite suppressants without first consulting your doctor, as many of these supplements are unsafe and unproven.