Thy, who was 1,56 m tall and weighed 72 kg before her weight loss attempt, embarked on a diet that completely cut out carbohydrates. She ate three meals a day, consisting of 6 eggs, boiled vegetables, or fruit salad, and drank juice and electrolytes whenever she felt hungry. Her regimen also included one to two hours of fat-burning exercises daily, supplemented by "no-hunger weight loss tea".
After two weeks, Thy had lost 6 kg, but she frequently experienced dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, shaky limbs, digestive issues, and insomnia. Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM diagnosed Thy with dehydration accompanied by electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure, exhaustion, and a metabolic disorder. She received intravenous fluids and electrolyte adjustments to stabilize her vital signs.
Specialist Doctor Level I Pham Thi Thu Ha, from the Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes at Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM, explained that Thy, who had obesity grade one, dyslipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, and elevated uric acid, experienced rapid weight loss not from fat reduction but from significant water and muscle loss. This severe dehydration led to an electrolyte imbalance, causing organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys to overwork despite insufficient energy supply. Prolonged exposure to this condition can result in exhaustion, an increased risk of arrhythmia, kidney failure, endocrine disorders, and weakened immunity.
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Doctor Ha advises Thy on weight loss. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
According to Dr. Ha, while eggs are a high-quality protein source, excluding other foods prevents the body from absorbing adequate nutrition. This excessive reduction in energy can lead to metabolic disorders. Eggs are also rich in cholesterol, and consuming too many can cause cholesterol imbalances, contributing to cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure.
When calorie intake is suddenly drastically reduced, the body activates a series of responses to protect its energy reserves. Hunger hormones like ghrelin are secreted in greater amounts, while leptin, the satiety hormone, decreases, resulting in an energy deficit. Concurrently, the basal metabolic rate is also downregulated. The body enters an "energy-saving" state, slowing down calorie burning even during rest.
Thy was prescribed a scientific weight loss treatment plan by doctors, combining appetite suppressants with a nutritionally balanced diet designed to support weight loss while preserving essential muscle mass. She needs to supplement with lean protein to gradually restore lost muscle, consume adequate amounts of carbohydrates and healthy fats, and engage in moderate exercise for 45-60 minutes daily.
Dr. Ha emphasized that the primary goal in treating obesity is to reduce excess fat while preserving muscle mass and maintaining overall health. Rapid weight loss is often unsustainable; when individuals stop a "crash diet," they tend to revert to old habits, leading to weight regain.
Duc Hanh
*Patient's name has been changed.
