By: Ambyrhyna Jambing
Extreme dieting is becoming a more and more common public health issue, especially among young adults seeking rapid weight loss without understanding the long-term consequences.
According to Dietitian Dr Lina Ho Ling Ling, the definition of healthy diet is based on balance and variety of food groups and not on restrictive eating habits.
“A healthy diet is balanced, while extreme diets usually focus too much on only one nutrient,” she said.
She explained that extreme diets tend to focus on protein, carbohydrates, or fats at the cost of the nutritional overall case.
“Any diet that eliminates or heavily restricts one food group is not considered healthy,” she said.
She added that intermittent fasting is the latest diet trend, after trends of keto, Atkins, and liquid diets.
“These diets will come and go, but many people follow them without take note of their long-term effects,” she said.
According to Dr Lina, statistics from Sarawak show that one in four young adults aged between 19 and 25 display signs of disordered eating.
“This is because it is closely related to body image concerns and the desire to look slim,” she said.
Dr Lina stated that many people prefer extreme diets since they desire rapid and noticeable weight loss outcomes.
“They perceive extreme dieting as a way to cheat their way to health and that is not the case.
“One of the examples of extreme diets like high-protein diets may put a strain on the kidneys in the case of long-term practice,”she said.
She explained that an excess of protein may overwhelm the kidneys particularly when the individual is already experiencing some underlying health problems.
Dr Lina added that prolonged fasting time may cause gastric irritation and digestive issues.
“Skipping meals for extended periods can affect the stomach and cause discomfort,” she said.
She mentioned that nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances could also be the result of restrictive diets.
“These imbalances can affect the whole body, not just weight,” she said.
Dr Lina added that extreme dieting could slow the metabolic system, and expose people to the risk of weight gain.
Once the metabolism has slowed, she said that people will regain weight when they start eating normally again.
She stressed that students should avoid extreme diets as they can affect energy levels and academic performance.
“Students need enough energy through enough calories intake to study, focus, and function properly,” she said.
From a psychological perspective, psychologist and counselor from University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Dr Kee Pau said extreme dieting is often driven by emotional and social pressures.
“Many people diet because of low self-esteem and constant comparison with others,” she said.
Dr Kee explained that individuals often seek external validation through compliments rather than focusing on health.
“They want to hear comments like ‘you look skinny,’ and that becomes the motivation,” she said.
She warned that extreme dieting can lead to anxiety, guilt after eating, and fear of social situations involving food.
“In severe cases, this behaviour can develop into eating disorders that require professional treatment,” she said.
Both experts emphasised that sustainable health can only be achieved through balanced eating, regular exercise, and mental well-being.