I have recently been losing a lot of weight . . . quickly.

One hears various predictions of doom and disaster to the effect that
"you shouldn't lose weight too fast . . . it's dangerous!"  But what's
really the dope?  Is this just an old wives' tale?

I've heard variously that you can give yourself diabetes, or even
lupus, from shedding pounds too quickly!  Yikes!  But is this true? 
What are the most serious possible side effects?

To give you an idea of how fast we're talking about, I've lost roughly
60 pounds in 70 days . . . and during the last week, it's gotten even
faster:  18 pounds in the last week alone.  And it shows no signs of
stopping.

My friends are freaking out, but I'm wondering if they have any
substantial medical knowledge, or are just freaking out because --
since I haven't bought new clothes yet -- I look positively spectral
compared to the way I did a few weeks ago.  But "looking spectral"
isn't a medical term.  People who just meet me detect nothing unusual
. . . or skeletal.

I don't want to worry my friends and family, and I truly feel okay. 
But is there something I don't know?

For those who would like to comment, you should know that at the start
of the weight loss, I was "obese," at least as defined by the U.S.
government's body-mass index calculators, widely available on the
internet.

So in about 2 months, 10 days, I was able to lose about 55 pounds,
going from "obese" to "within normal range."

But I'm still losing weight.  I realize that being underweight and
malnourished can be dangerous (duh!), but what my concerned friends
don't seem to appreciate is that I'm still about 25 pounds ABOVE what
the "under weight" classification for my age and gender would be.  So
I figure I could lose even a few more:  it's not the absolute weight
loss that's worrying everybody, it's the speed.

(I'd like to lose about 10 more.)

Note that the methods achieved for this have been simple diet and
exercise.  And I feel fine:  full of energy and mentally alert.  (I
have also been taking copious vitamin and mineral supplements
throughout this process.)  I am otherwise in excellent health (can run
on the treadmill for an hour, etc.)

Somebody please answer soon!  Should I make a dash for the cheesecake?

Hi there Gnossie

I've also heard about rapid weight loss being bad for you and causing
things like stretch marks (go figure!) and loss of muscle tone, skin
tone, and even a heightened risk of developing gallstones. But you
sound like you're having a blast and that you feel well. So share the
secret!! I'd be really, really interested to learn what vitamin and
mineral supplements you've been taking -- it's obviously had a
stunning impact on your metabolism.

Cheers

stressedmum

It's difficult to answer properly Gnossie without knowing you age sex
weight (both before and after).  However there is an important
principle here.  That is our obsession with being the right weight. 
In truth it doesn't matter all that much.

I did a similar thing, although it took me a little longer (6-9
months) but then I am ancient.

I am guessing that you are achieving the weight loss through diet and
that you are reasonably young (us old'ens can't lose weight all that
quickly).  Your body is burning fat instead of food fuel.  If you had
too much fat, and you are young this isn't too bad a thing, but you
must be mindful of long term health.

Many people want to lose weight for cosmetic appearances.  they want
to have the appearance of looking fit.  Sorry Gnossie, diet alone will
never make you fit though.  You have to get out there and do moderate
balanced excercise.  Challange your body a bit, build some muscles and
tone your body.  You will need to fuel this as if you are normal
weight at the moment, your fat reserves will be dwindling, so eat a
banana before and after, or orange juice etc, just so long as it has a
nice easy sugar in it.

Build up so that you are working hard for about an hour at least 3
times a week.  Vary your routine so you work different muscle groups.

Keep your eye on your weight to make sure you don't get too thin.  Set
your ideal weight now and aim to keep there.  Having your knees bigger
than your legs is not a good look.

Drink loads of water, eat stacks of fresh veg, moderate fruit and
whole grain, treat yourself to cheescake when you want to.

There is no such thing as normal, but there is such a thing as looking
and feeling fabulous.  But most of all enjoy yourself.

Keep it up and join the Gym!!!

Jon

sorry, this made me immediately think of this:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33592

i'm unsure about you... in your last post (killing my sex drive) you
said you were attractive to women (even with shaved head) but now you
say that only 2 months ago you were clinicly obese?  You have time to
have friends who are freaking out and you have time to ask a few
questions on google answers - why no time for sex?  Sorry i realise
that question is closed but... it was the strangest question i've
read.

paramount37-ga:

Both posts were in earnest.

I guess when I do something, I try to do it 110%, which probably
explains the extreme nature of both the studying and the weight loss. 
It's been my experience that women (and even other men) are drawn to
this kind of intensity, whatever my weight.  So I don't see anything
incongruous.

Not sure how your comment was meant to help, though.