Balancing Act: Understanding Optimal Weight Loss and Its Health Implications

Radhika Dadhich

Perex: Optimal body weight loss is always sustainable and slow and whose results last for a lifetime. Read ahead to know more!

Millions of people struggle with obesity and an equal number of people struggle in losing weight. The emergence of fad diet, weight-loss programs, and other scammy tactics promise quick and easy weight loss. However, the premise of successful weight loss is a healthy, calorie-controlled diet, in tandem with increased physical activity. The key to optimal body weight loss is making permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.

A Beginner’s Guide to Optimal Weight Loss

For starters, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weight loss. The key is to choose a plan that caters to your lifestyle, dietary preferences, health goals, and weight loss objectives. But, contemplating on certain parameters can help to ensure that the weight loss you are about to undergo is sustainable and long-term. These parameters include -

  • Understand Your Diet

Think about all the diets you have tried and think about what you like or dislike about them. Were you able to follow the diet for a long time? Try to understand what worked out and what did not, and how did you feel - emotionally and physically - while being on the diet!

  • Gauge Your Preferences

Do you prefer to engage in a weight loss program independently or do you want support from a group? Do you like group support or feel that an in-person meeting is better?

  • Your Budget

Yes, weight loss might require you to spend some money on buying supplements, taking a meal plan, visiting weight-loss clinics, hitting the gym, or attending support meetings. Try to understand if the cost fits your budget.

How Much Weight Loss Healthy Weight Loss?

In today’s fast-paced world, where everything is quick and speedy, it might be tempting to buy into the promises of fast and amazing weight loss. But, in the world of weight loss, the slow and steady actually wins the race. For starters, a weight loss of 0.5 to 2 pounds (0,2 to 0.9 kilograms) per week is deemed healthy and sustainable. Faster weight loss can be safe but only when it's done right and under medical vigilance.

Optimal body weight loss that is sustainable and genuinely result-yielding can only come from a long-term commitment to making healthy lifestyle changes in eating, exercise, and behavior. 

When Does Weight Loss Become Risky or Dangerous?

Most cases of weight loss are unproblematic and often intentional and safe. However, your weight loss can be risky if it's unintentional and begins to affect your mental health. Likewise, if you are underweight and are losing more weight rapidly, then weight loss should be a reason for concern.

Likewise, if you are experiencing sudden and rapid weight loss unexpectedly, then you should look out for warning symptoms, such as -

  • Fatigue
  • Change in appetite
  • Increased illnesses
  • Increased infections
  • Change in toilet habits, etc

If these issues along with rapid weight loss resonate with your situation, then it is best to consult a medical professional immediately. 

Conclusion

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of what optimal body weight loss and what is risky weight loss. The key to losing weight is being patient and taking things slow. It is all about making lifestyle and behavioral changes, and loving your body, as if it is actually your temple. Likewise, getting into fad diets or quick weight loss schemes is always a sham, and does more harm to your body than good.

Summary

Optimal body weight loss is when you lose 0.5 pounds to 2 pounds per week. A healthy diet that is nutrient-dense and in calorie-deficit and enough physical activity can help you reach your goals.