DANGEROUS ways to lose weight

Should you subject your body to all the popular extremes you come across?

Today's youngsters like to live dangerously, or "on the edge". It gives them a thrill and the adrenaline rushes that they crave from time to time. Should one, however, take the same stance when it comes to a weight loss regimen? Are dietary 'ups' and 'downs' really good for your health?

Here, we address some of the popular ways people try to lose weight these days.

Skipping meals, starving and fasting

When it comes to losing weight, the first thing that comes to mind is that the less you eat, the more weight you lose. Better still, skip a meal -- and the easiest meal to skip is breakfast, as most of us are hard-up for time in the mornings, right? Well, this approach is completely wrong!

While it does result in some amount of weight loss, it also results in muscle loss and water loss, which could pose big health risks. Apart from this, it sends wrong signals to the system. As a result, skipping meals and fasting will cause the body's metabolism to slow down and it will require lesser calories to survive; in other words, the burning of calories is slower and lower in number. So in the long run, it will defeat the very purpose of your weight loss plans.

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This may seem like the easiest way to lose weight. However, experts say that most diet pills are just filled with caffeine and diuretics that can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. They curb your appetite and make you feel less hungry, and as a result you consume less.

Again, your body goes into the energy-deficit mode, leading to calorie conservation (if at all losing weight was so easy that you swallow a pill, and your weight comes down, you would not see so many obese people around!).

Apart from this, over-the-counter pills may not suit everyone, and you may encounter other health risks to deal with, which are not worth it at all.

You may be fascinated by stories of famous Hollywood movie stars who have undergone these techniques and lost loads of weight. Stars like Britney Spears, Megan Fox and Beyonce may be shown looking svelte after these cleanses and detoxifications, but what these methods manage to achieve is weight loss from loss of water and stool. You don't achieve fat loss, which is what you should be aiming for.

Experts say that your body has its own efficient detoxifying mechanism in place, and these external detoxifying methods only mess up your system. Even if you manage to lose some weight due to such methods, once you're done with them, you are likely to gain as much or even more weight!

Drinking plenty of water and taking high-fibre foods will help detoxify your body naturally.

These are college campus and fashion industry fads girls take up to pursue size zero. However, these carry big risks too.

Experts say that the acidic stomach contents, when regurgitated frequently, can cause erosion of the lining of the esophagus, mouth, teeth and gums, which may also lead to developing cancers. Apart from that, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are caused. Purging is extremely dangerous, warn experts.

These days, the Internet provides all the answers, even a readymade diet chart! However, that diet chart may not necessarily work for you.

Every individual is unique and so is his/her system. Just because your friend or colleague got good results from a diet chart, doesn't mean you can be sure you will get the same.

Therefore, the best way to go about it is to consult a dietician, get a personalised diet and follow it diligently.

Just as skipping meals or fasting will not lead to your desired weight loss, nor does mindless exercising. Punishing your body to the extreme will only lead to severe wear and tear, risk of injury and electrolyte imbalance as well as affect you psychologically.

The American Academy of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association recommends a sensible exercise routine, which includes three days a week of vigorous intense cardio with strength-training exercises, eight-12 repetitions, twice weekly.

If you do not want to do strength training exercises, then 30 minutes of intense cardio five days a week is what you need.

Although this seems somewhat crazy and unbelievable, experts say that some people do resort to taking tobacco products to lose weight. Many consumers do not feel hungry and they actually lose their appetite when they smoke. However, tobacco carries the bigger risk of developing life-threatening diseases, as compared to excess weight. Moreover, there is the risk of gaining a lot of weight when you finally decide to quit.

Sensible eating and sensible exercising is the mantra for a healthy lifestyle. Your focus should be on health rather than looks or external attributes. Extremes may also lead you to eating disorders, which you may find difficult to get rid of.