The practice of induced vomiting for weight loss, commonly known as induced vomiting weight loss, involves deliberately forcing oneself to vomit after eating in order to achieve weight loss. Generally, this method is used by those who want to lose weight but don't want to give up their favorite foods. However, this method of induced vomiting for weight loss can be quite harmful to the body, with three main risks. Let's take a closer look at them.
Esophageal Burning
The method commonly used in induced vomiting weight loss is to use one's hand to stimulate the throat and induce vomiting. However, this can cause the stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The pH of pure stomach acid is 0.9-1.5, which is considered a strong acid and can cause esophageal burning.
Tooth Damage
The reflux of stomach acid caused by induced vomiting not only leads to esophageal burning but also damages the teeth. Although teeth are a relatively hard part of the human body, they cannot withstand repeated erosion from stomach acid, which can lead to tooth decay over time.
Triggering Depression
Long-term use of induced vomiting for weight loss can lead to unstable moods such as depression or manic depression, with the risk of triggering mental depression. Developing a habit of inducing vomiting whenever one feels like it can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Other Side Effects of Induced Vomiting Weight Loss
In addition to the three main risks mentioned above, induced vomiting for weight loss can also have other negative effects.
1. During induced vomiting for weight loss, some people may use their hands to stimulate the throat, while others may use objects such as toothbrushes or spoons. This can cause throat injuries and bleeding. Over time, the throat can become less sensitive to stimuli, leading to symptoms such as sore throat and hoarse voice.
2. When inducing vomiting, people usually lower their heads and exert force to expel the food. However, prolonged periods of exertion with the head lowered can increase intracranial pressure, leading to enlarged salivary glands, broken blood vessels on the face, facial enlargement, enlarged skin pores, and extensive subcutaneous bleeding-like red spots.
3. Induced vomiting can cause fluid fluctuations. Electrolytes in body fluids are essential for maintaining muscle function. Prolonged induced vomiting for weight loss can lead to hypokalemia, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death.
4. In addition, when people use their hands to stimulate the throat for induced vomiting, their teeth may unintentionally hit their hands, resulting in permanent scars. Other problems that may occur include amenorrhea, enlarged salivary glands, and stomach problems.
Tips
It is understandable that women want a slim figure, but resorting to unhealthy methods for the sake of weight loss is not advisable. Induced vomiting for weight loss is an extreme weight loss method that not only brings a series of health problems but also poses a potentially lethal danger. It should be used with caution!
How to Exercise for Healthy Weight Loss
Perform aerobic exercise for 40-60 minutes and add 20 minutes of supplementary strength training at least three times a week. The more you exercise, the better.
1. Aerobic Exercise
Refers to long-duration exercise performed at a moderate intensity, with the heart rate between 60%-80% of the maximum heart rate. The maximum heart rate is calculated as 220 minus age.
For example, if I am 23 years old, my maximum heart rate is 220-23=197. The heart rate range of 60%-80% is between 118 and 157. As long as my heart rate stays within this range during exercise, it can be considered aerobic exercise. At this time, the body burns fat at the fastest rate.
Aerobic exercises include running, cycling, dancing, aerobics, jump rope, swimming, and various sports activities. Even making love can be considered aerobic exercise, as long as the heart rate stays within this range.
Aerobic exercise should last at least 20 minutes, with 40 minutes to an hour recommended.
2. Supplementary Strength Training
This includes exercises for the waist, abdomen, legs, chest, etc. These exercises should be performed at a moderate intensity, not too strenuous, with at least 15 repetitions. These exercises can continue to burn fat.
Ladies, don't worry, moderate-intensity strength training will not make your muscles overly developed.
Try to be active in your daily life, even if it's just standing for a while or taking a few extra steps. It's beneficial for weight loss.
How to Eat for Healthy Weight Loss
Main principle: Eat less high-sugar, high-fat, and fried foods. Have a balanced diet instead of restricting your diet.
Ensure an adequate intake of staple foods because the breakdown of fat requires the participation of carbohydrates. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Consume meat, dairy, and eggs in moderation, with attention to reducing high-fat and fried foods.
Fruits are the best choice for snacks, while junk food (such as fried and puffed snacks) should be avoided.
If possible, change from three meals a day to four or five meals, reducing the amount of food consumed at each meal. Breakfast is very important and must be eaten. Otherwise, extreme hunger at noon can lead to excessive calorie intake and fat accumulation. The same applies to dinner.
For those with high fat content in their diet, eating fruits and drinking water before meals can reduce hunger and prevent excessive calorie intake.