Rewritten Title: Health Ministry Warns Against Unsustainable Weight Loss Methods
In an official report, the Office for Community Nutrition Improvement of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education has issued a stark warning against the dangers of prolonged fasting and crash diets for weight loss.
The Scientific Verdict on Starvation Diets
Contrary to popular belief, scientific findings confirm that long-term hunger is neither a healthy nor a sustainable method for weight loss. Nutrition experts from the Ministry’s office emphasized that such practices can have numerous adverse effects on the body, undermining both immediate and long-term health goals.
The Hidden Cost of Rapid Weight Loss
Research cited by the office reveals a critical downside to severe calorie restriction. In a study where individuals consumed only 50% of their required energy for three weeks, participants did lose weight. However, this came at a significant cost: they lost approximately 5% of their muscle mass and lean body tissue. This loss is detrimental to overall strength and metabolic health.
How the Body Fights Back
When faced with a severe and prolonged energy deficit, the body enters a survival mode. In this state, the metabolism slows down significantly as a protective measure, and the body begins to preserve its fat stores. Ironically, this natural defense mechanism can bring weight loss to a complete halt, making the diet counterproductive.
Long-Term Health Consequences
The report further highlighted the impracticality of very low-calorie diets, noting that public adherence to them is remarkably low, and they are unsustainable as a long-term lifestyle. Persisting with such regimens can lead to a host of negative health outcomes, including slowed hair and nail growth, a weakened immune system, and a reduced ability for the skin to heal from wounds.
The Official Recommendation for Sustainable Health
The Ministry’s office concluded by affirming that the best path to healthy and lasting weight loss is through gradual, manageable changes. This includes adopting sustainable dietary modifications and increasing physical activity—lifestyle adjustments that can be maintained over the long term and guarantee the preservation of overall public health.