Losing weight quickly is a tempting promise often made by fad diets, detox programs, or extreme calorie restrictions. Stories of people shedding 5.5 kg (12 pounds) in just three days may sound impressive, but the reality is far less glamorous—and potentially dangerous. Let’s break down what really happens when someone loses this much weight so rapidly and why it might not be as beneficial as it seems.
What Happens When You Drop 5.5 kg in 3 Days?
When someone claims to lose significant weight in such a short timeframe, most of that "loss" isn’t fat—it’s water, glycogen (stored carbohydrates), and sometimes even muscle mass. Here's how it breaks down:
Water Weight Loss
- Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, which holds onto water molecules. By drastically cutting carbs, you deplete glycogen stores, causing rapid water loss. This accounts for the majority of the weight lost during crash diets.
Muscle Breakdown
- Extreme calorie deficits force your body to tap into protein reserves for energy, leading to muscle breakdown. Losing muscle can slow metabolism, making long-term weight management harder.
No Significant Fat Loss
