An increasing number of diet advertisements use claims of extreme weight loss to attract new customers or members. There is such a thing as losing weight too fast. You should never be in a hurry to lose a lot of extra pounds fast. If you are losing weight very quickly it is quite possible you are not losing the kind of weight that you really want to get rid of. Here I will tell you why it’s better to take your time and lose weight a little at a time as well as the effects of extreme weight loss.

When weight is dropped very quickly the ratio of body fat compared to other tissues being metabolized becomes lower. It is possible to lose up to 20 pounds of body weight per week. The down side to that, however, is that most of the weight being lost is water. Also, during times when weight is being lost quickly muscle tissue is also used for some of the fuel. The average ratio for body fat being lost compared to protein is one pound of muscle for every three pounds of fat. Losing weight too quickly may make the ratio of muscle tissue being lost even higher.

The amount of body fat that can be lost safely is about 3 – 4 pounds per week (if obesity is a factor), or 1 – 1.5 pounds per week (for the average 140lb woman). The loss of water may result in even more pounds being lost, however, and the water weight you lose is the most likely to come back. Losing weight very quickly also will not give the skin time to adjust and may result in the skin looking looser. Gall stones may also become a factor. Another unfortunate thing about rapid weight loss is that the weight is usually gained back on after the goal is reached because new, healthier habits have not been incorporated.

The Health and Fitness Connection suggests that you view extreme and rapid weight loss methods with caution, always seek medical advice in these cases and monitor your progress constantly.