Losing weight can be an exciting prospect for many people, especially if someone is particularly overweight or unhealthy and they want to make those changes for themselves. However, as with many good things, it can also have some unexpected downsides which are worth preparing for.
There is no dispute that the health benefits of losing excess weight are well documented and are absolutely worth pursuing, but with that being said, it is worth noting that there are some changes that might just take you by surprise.
To prepare yourself in case you do experience some common consequences of losing weight, read this piece.
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Loose Skin
One of the most common problems people experience after losing a significant amount of weight is loose skin.
This happens for two reasons. Not only does your skin loses elasticity as you age anyway, but when you lose weight quickly, your skin doesn’t have time to adjust.
Sadly, loose skin can be a frustrating and also uncomfortable side effect of weight loss, but don’t let that put you off, as there are ways to help.
Exercising can help tone your muscles, especially weightlifting, Pilates, and body weight workouts. Staying hydrated can also improve skin elasticity, so make sure you are getting enough water in. In some more extreme cases, someone might want to opt for a procedure to remove or tighten the loose skin – thankfully, treatment has come far, and there are now non-invasive options! You can learn more here.
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Reduced Energy Levels
When you first start losing weight, it’s not uncommon to feel more tired than usual. You are overhauling a significant part of your lifestyle. Your body will need time to adjust to changes, such as having a lower calorie intake and your metabolism slowing down.
To help combat those drowsy moments (or days), make sure you are getting enough rest and eating a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates to keep your blood sugars stable and support energy function. Daily exercise can also help alleviate tiredness spells, so get that into your routine, even if it’s just a short walk or a few minutes of stretching each day!
Changes in Mood
Your body is going through a big change when you are losing weight, so it makes sense that it can have a significant impact on your mood, and not always in a positive way. Feeling irritable and moody is common for those who gave in to their sweet tooth often and are now reducing their sugar intake, and you might also find that you feel frustrated at times too. These changes are completely normal and are all part of adjusting to a new lifestyle, but if you are concerned, contact your doctor. Remember to be patient with yourself!
Changes in Appetite
As you lose weight and possibly embark on a diet that you are not quite used to, you may notice changes in your appetite. Some people will find that they feel more hungry than usual, while others might have a decrease in appetite or experience changes in their food preferences. Your favorite packet of chips might start to taste like cardboard, or you might just want to eat 20 of them in one sitting.
Feeling these changes can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that they are a normal part of the weight loss process.