Listen to Story Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's experience at the Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified for being 100 grams over the 50kg-weight limit, has brought attention to the unique challenges women face when trying to lose weight quickly compared to men. Dr Arpana Jain, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, told IndiaToday.in that rapid weight loss can be particularly challenging for women and is not always advisable.
"The body's metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle factors all play a role in how easily someone can lose weight. While some women might see quick results through strict dieting or intense exercise, it's crucial to remember that sustainable weight loss is usually gradual," she explained. Dr Jain noted that women often weigh less in the morning due to overnight water loss through breathing, sweating, and urination.
This temporary decrease in weight usually reverses throughout the day as the body retains water from food and drinks . Rapid weight loss can be particularly challenging for women and is not always advisable. (Photo: Getty Images) "Most people weigh less in the morning due to overnight fasting and the loss of water weight through respiration and perspiration.
But, throughout the day, food and fluid intake, along with fluctuations in water retention and digestive waste, can cause an increase in weight by the evening," said Dr Anish Nagpal, Laparoscopic Bariatric (Obesity) Surgeon & Gastro Surgeon, Shalby Hospital SG Highway, Ahmedabad. Dr Vaishali Sharma, Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist, and laparoscopic surgeon, said that fluctuation is completely normal and "can vary from 0.5 to 2 kg depending on your diet, hydration levels, and activity during the day.
" Hormonal fluctuations also play a significant role in women's weight management . Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence appetite and fat storage. Dr Nagpal added that these hormones also can also affect appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution, making weight management more challenging.
Stress-related hormones like insulin and cortisol can further impact how the body stores fat and regulates energy. Dr Jain cautioned that rapid weight loss could harm women's health, leading to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and a slowed metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run. It can also cause fatigue, mood swings, and a weakened immune system .
Instead, she emphasised the importance of focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise for healthy weight management. Dr Nagpal pointed out how rapid weight loss can have several negative effects on a woman's health. "Methods like strict diet and excessive exercise might lead to rapid weight loss but these methods are not sustainable," as per the expert.
Registered dietitian and wellness consultant Neelanjana Singh warned that if consuming certain diuretic foods, like coffee, tea, watermelons, cucumbers, and lemons, helps shed weight by removing excess water from the body, this isn't sustainable. And if an athelete is overdoing this, it could hamper their performance, Neelanjana Singh noted. Ultimately, experts agree that while there are short-term strategies to shed a few grams, the focus should always be on long-term.
Gradual and steady weight loss through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity is more effective and healthier..
