spitting it out, and abusing laxatives. “These unhealthy and unsafe behaviors are not uncommon on college campuses, pose serious health problems, and are the first step in the development of eating disorders,” says Diekman who counsels students with eating disorders at Washington University.
Acid in the stomach is extremely strong, which is necessary to prepare food for digestion and absorption. Stomach contents are meant to stay in the stomach, not be regurgitated into the esophagus and mouth. “Extremely acidic vomit can cause erosion in the esophagus, mouth, and on tooth enamel, which can increase risk for certain cancers, tooth decay, and more when purging becomes a ritual,” Diekman says.
Regular purging by vomiting or abuse of laxatives also causes excess fluid loss that can cause serious dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
All of these forms of weight loss are dangerous but the most dangerous is the use of syrup of Ipecac, Diekman says. “One dose can trigger cardiac irregularity and can lead to cardiac arrest.”
Purging in all its forms is no way to whittle down the waistline; it is extremely dangerous and not recommended by experts. Eating and drinking responsibly is a much healthier and safe weight loss approach, but if you cannot control your behavior, seek medical help.
5. Exercise Too Much
Extreme exercise may make for good reality television but in the real world it can cause grave problems. Extreme exercise is physically intense on the body, causing severe wear and tear, increasing the risk for injury, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and psychologically turns exercise into punishment for eating, says May.
The American Academy of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association recommend getting at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week of moderately intense cardio or 20 minutes daily, 3 days a week of vigorous intense cardio and 8-10 strength-training exercises, 8-12 repetitions, twice weekly.
Despite the recommendations from authorities, some people think more is better and go way beyond what’s healthy, and obsessive exercise controls their lives in an unhealthy manner.
Engage in regular physical activity for all the health benefits, including stress relief because if you ignore the stressors in your life, it can cause the release of hormones such as cortisol that increase appetite and fat storage, Moloo says.
6. Taking Drugs Not Prescribed for Weight Loss
Using drugs other than prescription weight loss drugs intended for weight loss is a grim mistake and fraught with all kinds of consequences.
“The potential risks associated with abusing drugs, such as cocaine, speed, attention deficit disorder, thyroid, and diabetes medications to lose weight far outweighs any health benefit you may get from the weight loss,” Moloo says. Just some of the unintended risks include, “physical and psychological addiction, social and financial problems, strain on relationships, anxiety, severe headaches, stroke, heart, lung, and kidney problems.”
Using illegal drugs for any purpose is strongly discouraged and using legal drugs for their unintended purpose without medical supervision is dangerous.
7. Use Someone Else’s Diet
Everyone’s body is different. What works for someone else, may not work for you in the long run (remember Keto diets?). Choose a diet that works for your lifestyle. Studies show the best diet is the one you can stick with long term. Use common sense, listen to your body, be mindful of what you eat and pass on expensive, risky, and worthless weight loss schemes or products that are unproven.
Seek expert advice from your doctor or a registered dietitian if you are concerned that your weight loss methods may be bordering on extreme or unhealthy.