Rapid Weight Loss: Is It Normal After Quitting Alcohol and Exercising?

I've been losing weight rapidly lately?

I have recently lost weight rapidly.
Although I have adjusted my lifestyle, the speed of weight loss has been quite fast.
I consulted a physician about my previous habits, which included consuming about 250cc to 300cc of alcohol each evening.
During my days off, I would also consume 250cc to 300cc in the morning.
I have been drinking 58% Kaoliang liquor, which qualifies as alcohol abuse, with approximately 7.8 years of drinking history.
I eat normally for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I tend to eat more at night after drinking.
I have never exercised regularly; while I do walk around at work, I spend several hours sitting at my desk.
I started abstaining from alcohol at the end of March.
For breakfast and lunch, I now eat a small amount of oatmeal, have normal dinners, and no longer eat late-night snacks.
I have been jogging approximately 10,000 steps daily (as tracked by my phone, though the distance may not be very accurate).
If I exceed 10,000 steps at work, I do not specifically go out to jog, and I have not engaged in any other forms of exercise.
In 2019, I underwent a health check-up that revealed moderate fatty liver disease, and my chest X-ray showed no abnormalities.
My liver function tests indicated ALT/GPT 94, AST/GOT 61, R-GT 146, uric acid 8.6, total cholesterol 221, and my BMI was in the red zone.
In 2021, my BMI remained in the red zone, but the aforementioned values returned to normal.
Before I stopped drinking at the end of March, I weighed 90 kg.
When I started exercising in mid-April, I weighed around 88 kg.
My weight dropped to 80 kg on May 5, 77 kg on May 19, 75 kg on June 2, and 73 kg on June 9.
In nearly two months, I lost 15 kg, and my waist circumference decreased from about 39 inches to 33-34 inches.

I found online that some people only lose 1-2 kg after one or two weeks of exercise, so is my weight loss of 15 kg in about 55 days considered normal? (Although I have overall slimmed down, I still have a bit of belly fat, which is different from my previous larger belly.) Should I go to the hospital for further examination?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/09

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Based on your description, quitting alcohol is one of the factors contributing to your weight loss.
For instance, 100ml of sorghum liquor contains approximately 325 calories, so you have likely reduced your daily caloric intake by nearly 1000 calories.
Combined with dietary and exercise control, this should be the reason for your successful weight loss.
I recommend that you monitor your condition, and if you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2021/06/09

More Info

Rapid weight loss can be a concerning issue, especially when it occurs in a short period of time, as you have described. Based on your situation, it appears that you have made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting alcohol and increasing your physical activity. These changes can lead to weight loss, but the speed at which you are losing weight raises some questions.

Firstly, it is important to understand that weight loss can occur rapidly when there is a significant change in diet and exercise habits. When you quit drinking alcohol, you are likely reducing your caloric intake significantly, especially if you were consuming a high-calorie beverage like high-proof liquor. Alcohol can contribute a substantial number of empty calories to your diet, and eliminating it can lead to a caloric deficit, which is essential for weight loss.

In your case, you mentioned that you went from 90 kg to 73 kg in about 55 days, which is a loss of 15 kg. This translates to an average weight loss of approximately 2.7 kg per week. Generally, a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is considered to be about 0.5 to 1 kg per week. Therefore, your current rate of weight loss is significantly higher than the recommended guidelines. Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and other health issues, so it is important to monitor your health closely during this time.

Additionally, your previous health assessments indicated that you had moderate fatty liver disease and elevated liver enzymes, which can be affected by rapid weight loss. While weight loss can improve liver health, losing weight too quickly can also stress the liver, potentially leading to complications. It is crucial to ensure that your weight loss is not only effective but also healthy.

You mentioned that you have been eating less and exercising more, which are both positive changes. However, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes adequate protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to support your overall health and prevent muscle loss. Incorporating strength training exercises into your routine can also help preserve muscle mass while you lose weight.

Given your rapid weight loss and previous health issues, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to check liver function, kidney function, and other relevant health markers. This will help ensure that your weight loss is not causing any adverse effects on your health.

In summary, while your weight loss may be attributed to positive lifestyle changes, the speed at which you are losing weight is concerning. It is advisable to seek medical advice to monitor your health and ensure that your weight loss journey is safe and sustainable. Maintaining a balanced diet, incorporating strength training, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will be essential in achieving your weight loss goals while safeguarding your health.

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