Many at times, dieters are often enticed by the words “quick weight loss” or “lose weight fast.”
And it`s quite understandable, considering that many people are struggling with the issue of weight loss and are in search for a quick fix, without necessarily having to workout out or diet for a prolonged period.
For this reason, plenty of trendy weight loss programs that promise fast weight loss have sprung up everywhere.
Unfortunately, it`s a shame that a majority of the quick weight loss programs are not realistic, and don`t work.
Time and again, we`ve been warned about this fad diets. Yet, each year, untold numbers of people pin their hopes on these quick weight-loss programs.
We`re not in any way castigating any quick weight loss program, or insinuating they don`t work.
What many of these weight programs do is that they initially trigger weight loss. With time, however, your bikini fantasies will surely come to an end since the program cannot sustain the weight and this makes you ending up feeling and looking worse than you started.
Fast Weight Loss Methods
Agreeably, quick loss of weight should be part of a healthy weight loss plan. If you are looking to maintain your weight, the quick weight loss programs should be part of a larger and more comprehensive approach that encapsulates long-term lifestyle changes.
So how do you lose weight quickly?
Two of the common quick-weight-loss methods include;
- Low-calorie diets (LCD)
- Very low-calorie Diets (VLCD)
It`s crucial that dieters understand the difference between these two diets before they choose a quick weight loss program.
Let`s explore each of the above diets.
Low-Calorie Diet
The LCD is a weight loss diet that provides users with 1,000-1,200 calories per day for women or 1,200-1,600 calories per day for men.
A report by Weight Control Information Network indicates that a majority of the LCD include regular foods that are times consumed alongside with meal replacement shakes or products.
Very Low-Calorie Diet
A VLCD is defined as the extreme of the LCD.
Unlike the LCD which uses little or regular food, VLCD are often in the form of liquid diets. In many cases, VLCDs are available in the form of commercial formulas such as liquid shakes, soups, or bars, which replace all your regular meals.
Calorie-wise, the VLCD provide much lower calories. Ideally, a standard VLCD offers 800 calories per day.
As such, the extreme calorie intake mean that this diet can result in rapid weight loss and visible improvement of medical conditions linked to obesity such as high blood pressure, and diabetes.
When it comes to weight loss, VLCD will see you lose approximately 3 to 5 pounds a week, which to many, is by any means motivating, and this is according to hubspot.net.
Caveat of the VLCD
It`s a shame that everything that feels and looks like a great weight loss idea has to tag along with downsides.
When it comes to VLCDs, it`s essential that your doctor monitors your programs regularly, ideally for a fortnight.
A major downside of this program is that it sees many patients experiencing serious side effects such as fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
The most common side effect is the development of gallstones. Gallstones, which are commonplace in obese people, especially women, may even be more common during the rapid weight loss program.
However, under the guidance and care of a physician, the side effects are mitigated, and their occurrence is far-fetched.
What are Some of the Popular Quick Loss Program?
When it comes to quick loss programs, the list is boundless.
Unfortunately, the list is flooded by both ad-diets and legitimate and science-backed programs.
Therefore, it`s crucial that you take extra cautionary measures when choosing your quick loss program.
According to Very Fit Well, some of the current trending quick loss programs that you`re sure to come across the internet, magazines, and tabloids include M-Plan Diet and the 3-Day Military Diet.
Though they have an attention-grabbing appeal to dieters, it`s unfortunate that they`re not backed by legitimate weight loss brands, physicians or registered dietitians, which makes them unfit for long-term weight loss.
On the other side of the coin, we`ve quick weight loss programs that are backed by legitimate, well-known brands and registered physicians.
Some of these programs include Fast 5 + Kit by Nutrisystem, Atkins and The South Beach Diet.
The Fast 5 + Kit, in particular, has grown in popularity in the recent past, thanks to the endorsement by various dieticians, including Dr. Anthony Fabricatore.
According to the Nutrisystem website, the Fast 5 + Kit will allow you to lose five pounds in your first week. The Fast 5 + Kit, however, is accompanied by a structured eating plan alongside a tailored plan that works in tandem with their estimated metabolic needs.
Why (Some) Quick Weight Programs Work
To some, Quick Weight Programs are the pathway to freedom from the chains of weight issues. To others, quick weight programs are just a fad and over-hyped system that rides along the success of excellent promotion and marketing.
Before we completely put of these quick weight programs, let`s look at why (some) of them work or claim to work.
First, it could be a possibility that the programs align with the dieter`s health needs and lifestyle. Regardless of how it does, the core of these programs revolves around restricting calorie intake. With a change in your energy balance, you can expect weight changes.
Secondly, it`s these weight programs are more of a physiological game. See, the simple act of focusing on your daily food intake, and being selective with what you consume will result in lesser food consumption.
In line with the second factor, we think that the programs instill a sense of positivity. By embarking on the program, many dieters believe they can achieve their weight loss goal. The self-efficacy that comes with the quick weight loss programs will boost your chances of losing weight.
Quick Weight Loss Drawbacks
For a start, programs such as VLCDs are only suitable for individuals who are under medical supervision such as extremely obese or individuals at risk of developing fatal conditions due to their weight.
Secondly, the programs are not sustainable. While you might switch and follow the low-calorie diet, with time, many switches to the traditional and regular diets.
Finally, the quick weight loss programs do not embrace the idea of wholeness and healthy dieting habits. A holistic and long-term approach which encapsulate eating a healthy diet, portion control, moderation and exercise is not a part of the quick weight loss programs.
Spotting a Fad Diet
As we mentioned in the beginning, we are not here to castigate the quick weight loss programs.
However, the market is plagued with plenty of fad diets with no value to the users.
Let`s look at some of the signs to look out for in the fad diets;
- The menu features extremely limited foods
- Requires you to cut an entire food group such as carbs
- Only allows you to choose food from one food group, i.e., only-protein diet
- Diet eliminates fats
- Promises ultra-fast and instant results
- The product is based on unproven science
- Promoters downplay modern medicine at the expense of some cultural, traditional myths
