Why low-calorie diets are not suitable for quick weight loss

What is a low-calorie diet?

A low-calorie, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is effective in treating obesity because obesity treatment is lengthy, and low-calorie foods encourage the body to burn as much stored fat as possible. When eating a low-calorie diet, it's important to reduce sugar intake for better weight loss.

Most experts believe that obese patients, after a doctor's examination and without complications such as heart, lung, or kidney problems, can start a low-calorie diet with 1200 calories, 0.5 to 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, and no more than 100 grams of carbohydrates. Once weight loss begins, the total calorie intake can be appropriately reduced to 1000-800-600 calories. When it reaches 400 calories, the low-calorie diet should be discontinued, maintaining a level of 400-600 calories. If obesity is not severe, a weight loss of 0.5 kg per week, or 2 kg per month, is ideal. Rapid weight loss can be detrimental to health.

Why is it not advisable to lose weight too quickly, whether using starvation therapy or dieting?
Both methods can lead to rapid weight loss, sometimes to an unbelievable degree. For example, Mrs. Cy Kierle, a plus-size woman from an American circus, lost 181.89 kg in 14 months, from 250.84 kg to 168.95 kg.

However, the world record for fastest weight loss was set by Paul Mu. Kimmelman, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 21, from December 1966 to August 1967, he followed a prescribed diet, consuming only 125 to 250 joules of calories daily, rapidly reducing his weight from 220.9 kg to 58.97 catties, a total weight loss of 161.93 kg. His weight later stabilized at 79.38 kg.

Is this kind of super-fast weight loss suitable for everyone? Experience tells us that reducing daily calorie intake by 500 to 1000 kcal can result in a weight loss of about 1 pound per week. Of course, this is too slow for heavily overweight individuals. Therefore, many obese patients, especially impatient women, pursue rapid weight loss diets promising "5 kg loss in a week, 10 kg loss in half a month." These diets reduce carbohydrates and calories, primarily from protein and fat.

However, it's important to note that drastically reducing carbohydrates can cause bodily problems. Carbohydrates are necessary for fat metabolism. Abnormal metabolism can lead to the production of ketoacids, which can decrease appetite. Ketoacids can disrupt the body's acid-base balance and even affect brain function.

Therefore, people with poor physical condition, especially elderly obese individuals, should opt for other appropriate methods of weight loss.