If you have a medical emergency or if you are super morbidly obese, your doctor may recommend that you lose weight very quickly with close supervision. However, rapid weight loss is usually only approved in difficult circumstances where the pros outweigh the cons. In the majority of cases, rapid weight loss is not encouraged because it can lead to other health problems. According to the CDC, healthy weight loss averages 1 to 2 pounds per week and continues over a long period of time. Losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time can cause the following:

Gallstones

Rapid weight loss increases your chances of developing gallstones, which are hard deposits of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder. Symptoms of gallstones include nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, surgery is needed to remove the gallbladder. If you can't eat for an extended period of time, you won't be able to consume the nutrients you need to stay healthy. You may become malnourished. Also, if you do have surgery, you won't be able to exercise during your recovery period. Both of these problems can significantly interfere with your health and weight loss goals.

Muscle Loss

When you lose weight, you want to lose fat while gaining lean muscle because muscle mass increases your metabolism and allows you to burn more calories. If you lose weight too quickly, you're probably losing muscle mass, which will make it more difficult for you to maintain your weight loss. You may even start to gain weight even though you're not eating that much. 

Liver Trouble

If you lose weight too quickly, you could damage your liver. One of the most common liver ailments associated with rapid weight loss is called fatty liver disease. In this condition, fat builds up in the liver. Symptoms include fatigue and abdominal discomfort. 

Loose Skin

When you lose weight too fast, your skin doesn't have time to catch up. While some sagging skin is normal in all cases of weight loss, it is more of a problem in those who lose a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. The only remedy for saggy skin is skin removal surgery. 

As you can see, there are several negative side effects associated with rapid weight loss. Unless your doctor recommends rapid weight loss program, you should always strive to lose weight in a healthy way. 

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