By now, we know that crash diets are certainly not something to easy to sustain and those that still partake in them are trying to drop a couple L Bs quick. Even though there are little voices in the back of our heads saying that crashing dieting can cause some damage when it comes to losing weight down the road, people still turn to them. However, TODAY is the day to say bye bye to crash diets–they are more harmful to our bodies than researchers originally thought.
First, let’s point out that nutritionists recommend that men consume around 2,500 calories a day and women 2,000 calories to maintain a healthy weight.
According to a study from the University of Oxford, those that are looking to lose some weight (specifically those that need to–obese people) who suddenly ‘crash diet’ by intaking only 600 to 800 calories per day can experience fat levels in their heart to by 44% in as little as a week. The reason for this is because, despite the crash dieters drop in body fat, this fat that is ‘lost in the body’ is actually making its way into the bloodstream and getting absorbed by their heart.
Dr. Raynerclinical, research fellow, Oxford Centre for Magnetic Resonance, at the Oxford University.said:
“The metabolic improvements with a very low-calorie diet, such as a reduction in liver fat and reversal of diabetes, would be expected to improve heart function. Instead, heart function got worse in the first week before starting to improve.”
Healthy people who partake in crash dieting may not notice a difference, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t causing any harm. Those that do have heart problems could experience shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. Two things you don’t want to take lightly.
On the flip side, the research did show as well that a week of intermittent fasting led to an 11% decrease in the abdominal fat around the major organs and a 42% reduction in liver fat. These two changes alone can lead to improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as lower insulin resistance, which helps protect against type 2 diabetes.
As with any diet or lifestyle change, you should seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before starting.
