Essay --

Introduction Although tempting, rapid weight loss that's not monitored by a doctor can have serious consequences. In addition to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, heart problems, and developing gallstones and overtraining syndrome, the drastic measures required to lose weight fast are hard to maintain. MayoClinic.com states that fast weight loss is often gained back quick, and tends to be water weight and muscle tissue, not fat. They recommend losing no more than 2 pounds a week. (See References 1, 2 and 3) How Much, How Fast Fast weight loss at the expert-recommended rate of 2 pounds a week, requires that you accumulate a daily deficit of 1,000 calories. After one week, this adds up to 7,000 calories, and since there are 3,500 calories in 1 pound of fat, you will lose 2 pounds. This means that you can lose 10 to 15 pounds in about 5 to 7 weeks, give or take a few days. Gradual weight loss at a rate of 2 pounds a week gives you time to get used to the lifestyle changes you're making, which should pertain to diet and exercise. (See References 1) Effective Dietary Changes Reducing...