Physical Risks of Dieting 101
Hi! I’m Mindy and I’m the Clinical Director here at Sunrise Nutrition. Our culture has a tendency to romanticize dieting, often leaving out the drawbacks of food restriction. Today, I’ll be stopping by to do a quick overview on the physical risks of dieting.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Our bodies need nutrients to function. Without complete or proper nutrition, malnourished bodies experience poor bone health, muscle wasting, fatigue, impaired immunity, decreased oxygen utilization, thinning hair and many more complications which may have lifelong impacts.
Hormone Dysregulation
Hormones are messengers in our bodies that coordinate and regulate different functions in our bodies. For example, there is a hunger hormone that tells us when we are hungry and a sleepy hormone that tells when we are tired. Hormones are made of protein, which come from the food we eat. With food restriction, our bodies do not always receive the protein needed to make hormones. As a result, people who diet may experience hormonal imbalances or dysregulation. A few examples include impaired feelings of hunger or fullness, difficulty sleeping, or with folks with menstruate - a loss of their period.
Cardiovascular Risks
Restriction puts increased stress on the body as it tries to keep up with energy needs, changes in hormones, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and inflammation. This increased stress often leads to fainting, weakness, slowed heart rates and in extreme cases - cardiac arrest or heart attack.
Digestive Issues
Our digestive system can be very sensitive to food restriction, which can lead to nausea, diarrhea, bloating, constipation and stomach pain. Additionally, muscles involved in digestion may have weakened due to calorie restriction or laxative abuse. This causes bloating, constipation or delayed emptying, as well as decreased nutrient absorption.
If you would like support in breaking free from dieting, our team at Sunrise Nutrition is here to help. Feel free to submit an inquiry here, or get connected to support here.
Mindy is a Nutritionist and Therapist based out of Seattle, where she offers nutrition counseling and mental health therapy for eating disorders, intuitive eating and body image concerns. She lives in Seattle, WA and watches lots of television.