Active Low-Carber Forums - View Single Post - "Claire's Atkins nightmare "

AJ's Low-Fat Nightmare

Quote:

http://www.essentialfats.com/chathl.htm

This history is typical of many physically active women who desire to be thin and fit. While maintaining a high level of activity, they attempt to cut most or all of the fat from their diets, thinking this will allow them to lose weight while maintaining optimal athletic performance. However, such drastic measures can have many adverse consequences, as the following case demonstrates.

AJ grew up eating a healthy balanced diet and had been active in sports since age five. As a child, she was thin and healthy. In high school, she excelled in three varsity sports and never worried about her weight. She began menstruating at age 14, but never developed regular periods.

At age 17, height 5’6", AJ started gaining weight and went from about 115 lbs. to about 130 lbs. in a few months. Worried that she was "getting fat," she decided to modify her diet and get back down to her "ideal" weight of 115 lbs. She did this by cutting almost all fats from her diet, and eating primarily processed carbohydrates (bagels, pasta, cereal), fruits, vegetables, and skim dairy products. Occasionally, she would eat small amounts of lean chicken. She ate almost no essential fats and little protein. She continued her high levels of physical activity, and in a short time, was back down to 115 pounds with a BMI (body mass index) of about 18.

However, instead of just losing fat, AJ lost muscle and depleted her essential fats. Her athletic performance decreased, and she experienced muscle soreness more easily. Her skin became very dry and even cracked in places. She noticed increased hair loss, and her hair became dull and brittle. Her periods stopped altogether, and she could not control her mood swings (a result of hormonal changes). AJ became ill numerous times that winter, despite the fact that she had "never" gotten sick as a child (her immune system was suffering). She also complained that she could not concentrate as well and often suffered from headaches (she was "starving" her brain of w3s).
.
.
.