We’ve all heard outlandish claims about rapid weight loss or curing diseases by doing one weird trick every morning, cutting out a specific food from our diets, buying a particular product, or some combination of all the above. False claims about health abound on the internet. And while these scams are obvious, other erroneous health practices may be harder to spot.

Crash diets are one such example. In theory, this approach can be an effective way to lose weight quickly and put you on the path to better health. However, in practice, crash diets are not long-term solutions to lose weight and may actually backfire. Take a closer look at any diet plan before you jump in.

Crash diets promise fast results, but are they really helping your body? Learn the risks here. #MainStreetMedical #MainStreetClinics #diet Share on X

Pros & Cons of Crash Diets

Crash diets tend to look appealing because they’re inexpensive, short-term, and (usually) give quick results. And for some people, this form of extreme food control is the right choice. Anyone with a deadline for losing weight can take advantage of a crash diet for fast results. And for a person whose weight adversely affects them, a crash diet could be the kickstart they need to begin their journey to better health.

However, doctors advise against relying on this form of dieting long-term. Unwanted results of heavily restricting yourself in this way include:

• Constant fatigue
• Health problems like gallstones or ketosis
• Loss of lean body mass instead of fat
• Malnutrition
• Slower metabolic rate
• Craving unhealthy food
• Constant hunger
• Regaining the weight afterward

Ironically, crash dieting can actually lead to weight gain if cravings get out of control. Approaching weight loss this drastically is remarkably risky and a potentially unhealthy choice for many people.

Building Healthy Lifestyle Habits

As cliche as it may sound, eating a healthy diet and exercising go a long way toward managing not only your weight, but your overall health. Proper nutrition gives your body the help it needs to improve your sleep, help you stay alert, improve your mental health, give you energy, and reduce your risk of disease. Exercise gets your blood moving and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Of course, eating healthy foods looks different for everybody. For instance, a vegetarian has to make sure their diet includes enough plant-based protein sources to meet their needs. Healthy food also tends to cost more than processed meals. But the investment is absolutely worth it.

Pro Tip: Healthy eating focuses on moderation. Rather than eliminating every potentially unhealthy food from your diet, learn to enjoy them in manageable amounts on occasion.

Improve Your Overall Health

In general, any investment in your long term health requires a lot of time and effort. Expecting results immediately can lead to disappointment and a lack of effort, causing any problems to get worse. Don’t fall for crash diets or miracle health products! Listen to your body and talk with your doctor about how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Contact us for more information on managing your long term health.