Muscle Loss: Extreme calorie restriction or excessive exercise can lead to significant muscle loss along with fat loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Severely restricting food intake can result in inadequate nutrient intake, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Metabolic Adaptations: Extreme weight loss can cause metabolic adaptations, such as a decrease in metabolic rate and increased hunger hormones.
Loss of Lean Body Mass: Along with muscle loss, extreme weight loss may also result in the loss of lean body mass, including organs and tissues essential for bodily functions.
Nutrient Imbalances: Extreme diets that eliminate entire food groups or severely restrict certain macronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates or fats) can disrupt nutrient balance.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Rapid weight loss, particularly through methods like fasting or excessive exercise, can disrupt electrolyte balance in the body.
Gallstones: Rapid weight loss increases the risk of developing gallstones, particularly in individuals who lose weight very quickly or follow a very low-calorie diet.
Decreased Bone Density: Extreme weight loss, particularly when accompanied by inadequate nutrient intake, can lead to decreased bone density.
Mental Health Issues: Extreme dieting and weight loss practices can contribute to the development or exacerbation of disordered eating behaviors.
Social and Emotional Impact: Rapid and extreme weight loss can have social and emotional consequences, including strained relationships, social isolation.