How does prolonged under-eating with very low carbohydrates affect mental health?

Prolonged under-eating deprives the brain of glucose, disrupting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can lead to low mood, irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Why do extremely thin individuals experience facial swelling and inflammation?

Inadequate nutrition, even at low body weights, can impair the lymphatic system and immune regulation, leading to fluid shifts causing facial puffiness and increased inflammation.

What role does weight training play in recovering from extreme weight loss?

Weight training helps rebuild lost muscle mass, improves bone density, supports hormonal balance, and psychologically restores a sense of strength and confidence.

Home / Health / 38kg Toll: How Low-Carb Diets Harm Mental Health & Body

38kg Toll: How Low-Carb Diets Harm Mental Health & Body

28 Jan

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Summary

Prolonged under-eating depletes brain energy, disrupting mood and focus.
Extreme thinness can cause facial swelling due to poor nutrition.
Weight training aids recovery by rebuilding muscle and improving confidence.

38kg Toll: How Low-Carb Diets Harm Mental Health & Body

A celebrity's reflection on reaching a low of 38 kg during a period of poor nutrition and depression has brought attention to the severe mental and physical impacts of extreme dieting. This phase, marked by consuming only one meal a day with no carbohydrates, resulted in significant mood disturbances, including anger and irritability.

Expert insights reveal that prolonged under-eating deprives the brain of glucose, its primary fuel, disrupting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and emotional numbness. Furthermore, inadequate nutrition, even at very low body weights, can impair the lymphatic system and immune regulation, causing facial swelling and inflammation.

Weight training is identified as a crucial tool for recovery. It helps rebuild muscle mass, improves bone density, and supports hormonal balance. Psychologically, it can restore a sense of control and confidence. However, experts stress that nutritional rehabilitation must precede any exercise regimen, which should begin cautiously with low-intensity sessions.