Should You Lose Weight Fast?

Many of us at one time or another have wanted to lose weight fast because of an upcoming vacation, or social event. But is it a good idea to even try to do this?

Almost without exception, dieticians and doctors will tell us that this is not a good idea, and can be really bad for your overall health. You can injure your heart, lose muscle, suffer from dehydration and increase the risk of gallstones if you lose too much weight too quickly. The generally accepted absolute maximum we should lose is 3lbs per week or less depending on the individual.

Now, many weight loss programs or diet pills promise more than this (as much as 6 lbs per week). Over a month this is quite significant, and means a total loss of 24 lbs. Which is why people get interested in these programs in the first place! Apart from the health risks, the sad fact is, people will lose the weight only to see it come back as time goes on.

So should you try to lose weight fast? The honest answer is no! But there are things you can do that will help you burn fat quickly and reduce the health risks.

First and foremost, if you are considering a weight loss program you should meet with your physician and get his/her OK.

Whatever diet you are following, you need to drink plenty of water. This is essential, especially if you are losing weight faster than normal. Water is very beneficial, and will flush out the waste products from your body. Also you should try and eat a balanced meal. If you are hungry fill up on veggies! They may not be the most appetizing, but they won't hurt you either!

Exercise should be another key ingredient of your weight loss program. You have to include both aerobic and strength training. Now if you haven't been doing much exercise this is not going to be easy. I recommend you get a personal trainer for the first couple of months. They will guide you through a suitable routine and make sure you do not try to do too much too quickly.

You will get many benefits from your exercise program. Aerobic exercise like walking or cycling will burn calories. Remember any weight loss program requires you to use more calories than you take in each day. Strength training goes one step further and will burn fat directly. Once you get into an exercise routine, you will begin to feel healthier, fitter - and slimmer.

So, if you include the above suggestions in your diet program, you should be able to lose weight fast without all of the negative effects. It's better if you can follow a balanced type of diet and cut back somewhat on the lbs per week you are trying to lose. In the end you'll feel better, and if you have successfully changed your eating habits you'll be more likely to keep your weight down for the long term.

Mike is a fitness enthusiast, runner and walker. He is a contributing editor for the Get In Shape web site. Learn more weight loss tips on their their page Can You Really Lose Weight Fast?