When do the effects of malnutrition kick in?

Question

I'm on a diet that consists of only a small low calorie dinner(most of the time) with mostly water. I guess I am lacking a lot nutrients that I need. How long before I start to threaten my own body. Its been almost a month and 18 pounds lost. One day I only ate an apple.

Answer 1

I hope you realize that is exactly how Terri Schiavo ended up in a vegetative state... she went on a severe 6 week diet and had a stroke from potassium deficiency.

I would say at three or four weeks, your body will begin to suffer.

Try to at least take a vitamin supplement. They have very few calories.

I think what you are attempting is futile, though. You're mainly losing muscle and water weight... it would be so much better for your body if you ate well and exercised more to lose.... Stop being in such a hurry to lose the weight. After all, the goal is to be healthy, right? What your'e doing is not healthy.

Answer 2

you are more than likely losing muscle not fat . your body will take what it needs from your muscles then your organs. which means that sooner or later your organs will start to shut down. or if your lucky your metabolism will. either way you are doing damage to your body. and if you go back to the way you ate before you will gain more weight and faster. the best thing to do is start eating more now before you do damage that can't be reversed. I know from experience i was anorexic and bulimic as a teen.your diet is not just effecting the fat but all of your body. at one time i only weighed 89lbs at 5'6" not a pretty site. good luck to you and please try a safer way to lose weight.

Answer 3

u get bony and dont feel right something is all ways wrong with u