Brides-to-be risk long term health problems with extreme dieting

Bianca Ffolkes

Women who use quick-fix weight loss methods before their wedding day could be putting their future health at risk, according to a new study by XLS-Medical Fat Binder.

More than five million women in the UK lose weight for their big day, the study discovered, with more than one in 10 losing a mind boggling four stone or more to ensure they look svelte in their wedding photos.

More than 50 per cent of those who diet to squeeze into their wedding dress undo all their efforts by gaining weight on their honeymoon and beyond, with more than a quarter regaining at least half a stone, the study found.

Now experts are warning women to carefully consider their pre-wedding weight loss plans, in order to avoid any potential long term weight gain.

[Related article: Five nutrients you really need]


“Drastic and rapid weight loss for a particular event or occasion, such as a wedding, is not advisable for a number of reasons,”  Said Dr Matt Capehorn, Clinical Director at the National Obesity Forum.

“You should be aiming for steady weight loss, as a result of sensible dietary and lifestyle change, that promotes sustainable weight loss and health benefits.  Any variation from this should only be on the advice of a clinician.”

The new advice comes not long after the trend of brides using the Ketogenic Enteral Nutrition Diet as a quick way to drop a dress size hit the headlines.

[Related article: Tips for reducing wedding day stress]


The ‘K-E Diet’ created by Florida-based Dr Oliver Di Pietro involves the dieter being fed through a nose drip and promises a drop of 20lbs in just 10 days.

It was originally targeted to obese patients needing to lose a significant amount of weight but has so far proven popular with brides-to-be wanting to shift weight leading up to their wedding.

“Rapid weight loss, especially if done without support, is likely to result in weight regain.  Undertaking a healthy eating and exercise plan with a realistic goal in mind will ensure dieters are not only looking good but feeling great for their wedding day and beyond,” Dr Capehorn advised.