The Effects of Starvation Diets

Starvation diets are eating plans that cut your daily recommended calories in half or more. The diets can produce fast weight loss. However, the side effects can be dangerous. You should always speak with your doctor before starting any diet.

Physical

Dieters who participate in starvation diets suffer from weakness and poor sleeping habits. They may experience stomach issues in addition to the loss of menses in women.

Behavioral

Starvation diets contribute to unhealthy behaviors, such as over-analyzing each food, even healthy ones such as fruits and vegetables. Dieters may also drink large amounts of calorie-free, caffeinated beverages.

Emotional

Depression and anxiety are both side effects of starvation diets. Furthermore, this type of diet causes mood swings and social withdrawal, according to UCLA.

Regaining Weight

Starvation diets cut a significant amount of weight quickly. Therefore, once a dieter resumes regular eating, the weight returns fast. This type of weight gain can damage the heart.

Eating Disorders

Although a starvation diet is not intended to be an eating disorder, it often develops into one. Dieters may cheat on their plans by binge eating then purging.

References

• UCLA; "Effects of Restrictive Dieting & Starvation"
• Net Wellness; Starvation Mode

Resources

• National Eating Disorders Association