Counting calories, fasting, taking pills, and others types of dieting are all common ways used to lose many pounds as quickly as possible, but at what point is it too extreme? Extreme dieting can have many health risks. Some “fad” diets can require a consumption of no more than 500 calories a day. Some diet pills can have negative effects on the heart and other vital organs in a person’s body. These habits may lead to and cause different types of eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia as well as other health factors that are linked with them. However, effects of extreme dieting are not always visible or obvious when it comes to appearance. Almost 80 percent of teens who admit to practicing unhealthy ways of dieting are considered a normal weight for their age and height. Many teens struggle with weight loss, and the problem remains unnoticed on a day to day basis.

Fasting and extreme calorie restriction is associated with poor nutrient intake and reduced immune system function.  As a result, people who restrict calories severely are more prone to heart disease, diabetes and potentially, cancer. Extreme dieting can cause reduced ability to concentrate in school, work or other functions. Dieting can lead to obsession of weight loss and food, distracting a person from their daily tasks and can also cause a person to be absent from work or school more often, and  cause the person to perform at a more reduced level.   Dieting is associated with lowered self-esteem, poor body image and decreased social interaction. Severe calorie restriction can cause a person’s metabolism to slow down, resulting in weight gain.

How to notice someone who may be practicing unsafe dieting: Skipping meals and using excuses like “I’ve already eaten,” compulsively counting calories, eating only certain foods in small quantities, obsessing over food or keeping a “food diary” in which they keep strict track of what they’ve consumed, evidence of using laxatives or diet pills, becoming depressed, irritable, unsocial, isolating themselves or showing a loss of interest in activities or friends and blaming social failures on weight.

Healthy alternatives to dieting: Exercise regularly. A healthy workout should include cardio as well as muscle building. Drink a lot of water. Keeping the body hydrated allows it to perform at its best.  Get the recommended eight hours of sleep at night. This lets the body burn a maximum amount of calories throughout the day. Finally, strive to eat more fruits and vegetables and less items produced in factories.