Extreme dieting and aggressive workout routines can affect muscle mass, skin health, and hormonal balance, says Dr. Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedacharya and author.
Extreme weight loss is often seen as a sign of fast progress, but health experts warn that such changes can place the body under significant stress.
Dr. Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedacharya and author, said rapid fat loss through restrictive diets and intense workout routines can lead to depletion of essential body tissues, including muscle.
“Weight loss should be a process of restoring balance, not forcing the body into depletion. When you push the body too hard, it begins to lose essential tissues along with excess fat,” he said.
According to Dr. Chauhan, extreme calorie restriction or over exercise can push the body into a survival response. Instead of burning only fat, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for energy, which can reduce strength, lower stamina, and slow metabolism over time.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, this reflects depletion of dhatus, particularly mamsa dhatu, or muscle tissue. When nourishment is inadequate, the body uses available resources without distinguishing between fat and essential tissue.
Rapid weight loss can also affect skin health. Sudden fat loss may leave the skin unable to adapt, leading to sagging, dryness, or a dull appearance.
“Healthy weight loss should nourish the skin along the way. If the skin begins to look loose or lifeless, it indicates that the body is not receiving adequate nutrition to rebuild and maintain tissue integrity,” Dr. Chauhan said.
He added that digestion, referred to as agni in Ayurveda, plays a key role in maintaining balance. Extreme dieting can weaken digestion, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to visible signs of imbalance.
Hormonal imbalance is another concern linked to rapid weight loss. The body requires adequate energy and fat levels to regulate hormonal functions. Disruption can result in irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes.
“Hormonal balance is a reflection of internal stability. Extreme weight loss disrupts this stability, making the body function in a reactive rather than a balanced state,” he said.
Dr. Chauhan emphasised that weight loss should be gradual and supported by proper nutrition, strength training, and digestive health.
“Sustainable weight loss is not about how fast you change your body, but how well your body adapts to that change,” he said.
He added that long term health depends on maintaining strength, resilience, and internal balance rather than focusing only on rapid physical transformation.
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