Not every diet plan is created equal. Some are based on reduced calories and exercise to create a negative caloric situation in the body that results in weight loss. Other diet plan choices, however, involve strict calorie restrictions and intense exercise that can cause more harm to the body than good. When choosing a diet plan, it is best to think slow and steady as opposed to fast and frenzied.

Dangerous Diet Plan Choices Have Been Around Forever

Dieters have been following danger diet plan menus for many years. When the Internet became a popular part of nearly every home, a new diet plan for every weight loss need was instantly accessible. The Internet is not restricted in terms of dieting or medical advice. Anyone can start up a weight loss blog, post before and after pictures and make a dangerous diet plan seem healthy, or easy. For people who have tried to lose weight multiple times with no success, a dangerous diet plan may seem like the perfect choice.

What Makes a Diet Plan Dangerous?

Severe restriction is the most common characteristic of a dangerous diet plan. Restricting calories below 1100 to 1200 calories can result in a slowing of metabolic function. This means calories are burned more slowly because the body wants to store every calorie consumed. When metabolism slows, dieters are forced to eat less to continue weight loss, which may then lead to anorexia or bulimia. Other dangerous diet plan choices include liquid diets, fasting or consuming laxatives to increase weight loss.

Potential Permanent Damage from a Diet Plan

Aside from the evident yo-yo dieting effect caused by a slowed metabolism, dehydration, organ failure and death are associated with dangerous diet plan trends. When the body does not have enough calories to maintain normal organ function, protein is used for energy. The easiest protein source to access is muscle. As time goes on, the body will continue to feed upon itself until organs begin to fail.

If laxatives are used, dehydration and addiction can result. Addiction to laxatives may cause the colon and intestines to lose normal function leading dependence on stool softeners. If laxatives are used in conjunction with severe calorie restriction, loss of bowel control can occur.

There is a healthy diet plan for everyone. Choosing trendy, dangerous diets to lose weight may result in permanent health problems.