Sometimes it seems that any step towards becoming healthier, slimmer individuals ends hopelessly. At some point, we’ve all been on a diet that has crashed or an exercise programme that fell through. It’s tempting to hang up our gym shoes, and search for a quick-fix; that magic remedy that will take us down a jean size, without giving up our favourite treats.
Often, “extreme” fixes are a double-edged sword, causing unfortunate health and financial problems. But are there any miracle remedies available for your waistline?
We decided to look at three popular extreme weight loss methods to see if there are any safe ways to shed the pounds.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical operation that permanently removes fat cells from your body. It is a cosmetic procedure, focused on an aesthetic silhouette rather than a general reduction in body fat content. Unlike a tummy tuck, this involves extracting the fat in liquid form. The maximum amount of mass reduction during the operation is 8 lbs, but this process is not considered optimal for losing weight. After the operation, your new body won’t be visible for 1-3 months, whilst terrible swelling settles down.
The procedure itself is largely permanent. However, if the patient gains weight, fat cells can regrow in the operated area, effectively liquidising hard earned cash. Pregnancy does not unravel the effects of liposuction, yet aging plays a large process in reforming the body, against desired appearance.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass effectively closes off a large portion of your stomach, so most of your tummy is out of order. A bypass is also built into the small intestine, to limit the calorie traffic absorbed by your body.
The limited portions and minimal calorie intake induce weight loss; but if you think you can still eat your favourite foods, think again! Hunger might be a think of the past, but lifestyle changes have to be permanent; so kiss those McChicken Nuggets goodbye, and embrace a salad-heavy diet.
Diet Pills
With more than half of British adults classed as clinically overweight, and with similar statistics in America, many are looking for answers to the question: “how do I lose weight, fast!?”
As they don’t involve intensive surgery, diet pills are often considered a less intrusive method. However, the risks are insurmountable. Firstly, diet pills aren’t required to be tested by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), until proven dangerous.
Users often become physically and emotionally addicted to diet pills, attributing any successful weight loss to their medical magic. Desperate consumers, looking for quick results, have been known to overdose.
The side-effects involved in taking diet pills are unpleasant, and can include:
- Diarrhoea, with no warning
- Prevention of important nutrients entering the body
- Raised blood pressure
- Allergic reaction
- Headaches and sleep problems
- Bloating and flatulence
Hardly the most attractive symptoms. And after all that, there isn’t any conclusive evidence that diet pills even work!
The financial costs and health risks of these methods heavily outweigh the quick-fix answers. Exercise and a healthy diet is a prerequisite for fat-loss, prescribed by all these methods to maintain low weight. So why not gradually lose weight the slow, healthy way, and feel better in your own skin?
This guest article was written by UK-based blogger Francesca who has an interest in health and fitness. She recommends Electric Bloom for weight loss holidays abroad, which can help you to lose weight in a healthy, controlled way.