Side effects of following One Meal A Day (OMAD) diet for weight loss

One Meal A Day is an extreme diet plan, in which a person is allowed to eat only one meal a day, usually dinner. He is not supposed to have anything else throughout the day. This way a person only consumes 1000 calories a day and loses weight quite fast as compared to other traditional diet plans. Although this diet may help people lose weight too fast, the risks associated with it always outweigh the benefits.

Here are some side effects of following this diet:


Long term obesity
Speedy weight loss is never considered good for health. This increases the risk of regaining the lost weight. You might be able to shed a lot of weight while following the OMAD diet, but as soon as you go back to your normal diet routine, you will regain all the lost weight.

Digestive pressure
Eating a large meal once in a day will put unnecessary pressure on your stomach and digestive system. Your body will have to work harder, which will increase pressure on your digestive system. Due to this, even your heart will have to work harder to send extra blood to your gut, which might increase your blood pressure levels. Having food once in a day will also increase your risk of heartburn.

Weakness

Having a meal just one time a day will make you feel weak and shaky. Due to a sudden decrease in food intake, your body will produce less energy and eventually, you will feel fatigued.

Irritability

When you are hungry, you also feel irritated. Mood swings, lack of concentration, irritability are some common side effects of following one meal a day diet.

Slower metabolism
If you eat fewer calories in a day, your body goes into a preservation mode, which slows down your metabolism. This may be harmful to you in the long term.

Bottom line:
People suffering from diabetes should not follow this diet at all. A diabetic patient needs to eat every hour to keep their blood sugar level in control. Following this diet might have a serious complication on their health. This diet would surely help you to lose weight in a very short time, but it is not safe to practice it. Slow weight loss trick, by taking proper diet and exercising is the best way to lose weight.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.