From 268 to 159 Lbs: a Cautionary Tale of Unexpected Health Complications
This Reddit user's weight loss journey highlights the importance of being mindful of potential health risks that can arise from losing weight too quickly.
Article by Madeleine Smith
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/tlg9vGG_optimized_1x.jpg)
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/KyQVJIr_optimized_1x.jpg)
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/McdNFAg_optimized_1x.jpg)
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/zzL9whf_optimized_1x.jpg)
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/iTEBLgT_optimized_1x.jpg)
![A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds. A before and after photo of a 5'8" female showing a weight cut from 268 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 109 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/OMFaE0X_optimized_1x.jpg)
F/23/5'8 [268>159] After losing about 75lb I became ill with gallstones due to my body creating the cholesterol it missed, be careful!
Originally posted on /r/progresspics
A Success Story Derailed
At 23 years old and 5 feet 8 inches tall, Reddit user [deleted] had reached a weight of 268 lbs. Determined to turn her life around, she embarked on a weight loss journey that saw her shed nearly 75 lbs. A fantastic achievement that earned her over 600 upvotes on Reddit. However, the success story took a turn for the worse when [deleted] was diagnosed with gallstones, likely caused by her rapid weight loss.
The Risks of Fast Weight Loss
The human body is a complex system, and weight loss is no exception. According to health experts, losing more than 2 lbs per week is considered unhealthy and can lead to a host of complications, including gallstones. Rapid weight loss can also weaken the immune system, damage organs, and cause nutritional deficiencies.
Be Mindful of Potential Health Risks
While losing weight is undoubtedly a positive step towards achieving better health, it's crucial to remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. [Deleted]'s experience highlights the importance of being mindful of potential health risks that can arise from losing weight too quickly. Consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any extreme weight loss regimen, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition.
Taking a More Sustainable Approach
Rather than resorting to extreme diets or workout regimens, it's better to take a slower, more sustainable approach to weight loss. Aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Focus on developing healthy habits that you can maintain in the long run, rather than quick fixes that could have unforeseen consequences.
Conclusion
[Deleted]'s cautionary tale serves as a reminder that weight loss is about more than just shedding pounds. It's about adopting a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain over time. Be patient, listen to your body, and seek expert advice when in doubt, and you'll be able to achieve your weight loss goals without compromising your health.
![](/images/authors/maddy.jpg)
Madeleine Smith
Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com
Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.
![A progress pic of a 5'9" woman showing a fat loss from 180 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 21 pounds. A progress pic of a 5'9" woman showing a fat loss from 180 pounds to 159 pounds. A net loss of 21 pounds.](https://myprogresspics.com/storage/images/rBI0nSn_optimized_1x.jpg)
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