When actors go through phases of rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss in preparation for film roles, many eyebrows are often raised among health professionals. Dr Shital Raval lists out reasons why it is medically dangerous and unhealthy of such yo-yoing.
Imagine going from 68 kg to 93 kg in six months and then back again to original size. Well...That’s what actor Aamir Khan did recently oscillating from rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss. While Khan’s bulging - thinning programme was being rigorously monitored by experts, it sparked off a flurry of debates, especially among health professionals about the advisability and appropriateness of such an act.
A person’s weight normally fluctuates within a limited range. Actors gaining and losing extreme weight for movie roles is not really inspiring but dangerous! It can have serious effects on the body. Weight loss more than 4.5 kg or more than 5% of usual body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months is considered to be clinically important and should not be ignored. Further weight loss can affect the normal physiological functions of the body, and could even affect various organs.
Here are some bad things you don’t normally hear about losing weight.
Adverse effects of rapid weight loss:
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12-25% of people end up with Gallbladder stones.
This is because as the body metabolises fat during rapid weight loss, it causes the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into the bile, potentially causing gallstones.
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Dehydration if not enough water is consumed. Imbalance of crucial electrolytes in the body like potassium.
If you're dehydrated, you may notice that your mouth feels dry, and you're not urinating adequately. Your eyes may appear a bit caved in, and you may not create any tears when you cry. Also, you will begin to feel extremely sluggish.
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Malnourishment which can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies if a balanced diet is not eaten.
Malnutrition can cause dizziness and fatigue. Getting too few vitamins and minerals in your diet makes you more susceptible to a weakened immune system, osteoporosis and fatigue. It can also cause changes in your skin pigment, decreased muscle mass, hair changes, irritability and rashes.
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Problems with digestion such as constipation
If you are trying to lose weight, the change in your diet can cause constipation.
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Hair loss due to malnourishment and protein deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies influence scalp and body hair. Your hair can get dry, stringy and dull and sometimes start thinning.
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Menstrual irregularities due to hormonal imbalance
Losing a considerable amount of weight can cause the period to become scanty, heavy, shorter or longer than normal.
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Headaches due to dehydration.
Up to 75% of the body's weight is made up of water. When you become dehydrated your brain tissue loses water causing your brain to shrink and pull away from the skull. This causes headaches and migraine.
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Muscle mass loss due to poor protein intake.
In most cases, consuming low amounts of protein can lead to poor health and increasing weakness and low immunity. You might become increasingly irritable and develop a skin rash and changes to your hair texture.
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Fatigue due to anaemia and muscle loss
Anaemia can cause fatigue, pale skin, weakness, headache and more.
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Dizziness due to anaemia, dehydration etc.
Dizziness and fatigue can result from a lack of fluids.
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Fractures due to decreased bone density.
Weight reduction will decrease bone mass and mineral density. A low body weight is associated with low bone mass and an increased risk of fractures.
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Prolonged time for metabolism to recover and resume.
A damaged metabolism is typically caused by prolonged excessive cut down in calorie combined with excessive physical activity.
Adverse effects of rapid weight gain:
- Excess fat (adipose tissue) accumulation.
Rapid weight gain puts undesirable pressure on all organs and systems.
- Excess burden on the heart to pump blood leading to increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, tiredness, fatigue etc.
Sudden weight gain causes maximum damage to the cardiovascular system.
- Clogging of arteries due to cholesterol and fat intake.
It can damage blood vessels and lead to risks of blood clots, heart attacks and stroke.
- Metabolic syndrome due to increased belly circumference.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with abdominal obesity, blood lipid disorders, inflammation, insulin resistance, full-blown diabetes, and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- High blood sugar and risk of diabetes.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
- Nutritional deficiencies due to unhealthy diet.
Unhealthy diets result in a poor nutrient-to-calorie ratio, which can lead to weight gain and malnutrition as well as related health problems.
- Joint problems in knee & ankle due to excess weight bearing.
Excess weight puts a strain on every part of your body, including your ankles, knees and hips.
- Slowed metabolism.
