Is Losing Weight Due to Less Eating Healthy? (Unpacking the Reality)
Since I was diagnosed with diabetes,
since I’ve had an enormous toothache,
and since this is Ramadhan—
I just eat less.
I’ve lost some weight, and along with it, some muscle.
My trousers hang loose, my shirts feel bigger.
But for what?
Is it healthy?
Have you ever looked into the mirror and realised your favourite clothes suddenly look oversized?
Or perhaps your belt has extra unused holes lately, making you wonder, “Did I actually lose weight?”
This is precisely the question that recently crossed my mind.
Lately, my trousers feel looser, my shirts seem bigger, and even friends have commented, “You look slimmer, are you on a diet?”
Well, the truth is, it’s unintentional—I’ve simply been eating less.
But the real question is, is this kind of unplanned weight loss actually healthy?
How Did I Get Here?
It started innocently enough: toothaches accompanied by migraines, stressful situations, then, inevitably, a loss of appetite.
Eating becomes more of a chore rather than a pleasure, turning into something you just “get through” to sustain yourself.
Before you know it, you’ve lost a couple of kilograms.
Initially, it seems beneficial—perhaps even great!
The scales become your new best friend, and you smile at the dropping numbers.
But hold on—before celebrating too much, let’s think again.
What exactly is happening here?
Unplanned Weight Loss: What’s Actually Going On?
Unplanned weight loss may look great on the outside, but it’s often a sign that your body is experiencing stress or not receiving adequate nutrition.
Our bodies need specific amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to function optimally.
When we drastically reduce food intake, the body starts using stored fat as energy—which sounds fantastic at first—but if the calorie deficit is severe or prolonged, your body might begin breaking down muscles and other vital tissues to supply energy.
The result?
You lose weight, sure, but you’re also losing muscle mass, strength, and overall vitality.
What Happens When You Eat Less Without Proper Nutritional Balance?
1. Muscle Loss
The most visible and immediate impact of eating less without sufficient protein and nutrients is muscle loss.
Muscles need proteins, amino acids, and calories to maintain their strength and mass.
When intake reduces drastically, your body turns to your muscles as a source of energy, leading to noticeable weight loss, but not necessarily in a good way.
2. Weakness and Fatigue
Less eating can mean lower energy intake. Your body needs calories for day-to-day functions—simply breathing, thinking, and performing everyday tasks.
If your calorie intake drops drastically, expect to feel constantly tired, sluggish, and less alert.
3. Reduced Immunity
Eating less also weakens your immune system, as your body no longer receives the nutrients essential for fighting infections.
Reduced immunity leaves you vulnerable to common ailments, longer recovery periods, and chronic illnesses.
4. Mental Health Implications
Poor nutrition can also significantly impact your mental state, triggering mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
The brain needs nutrients—such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and glucose—to maintain mental balance and emotional stability.
My Personal Experience (Relatable, Isn’t It?)
Recently, when I began noticing my clothes felt looser and my belt needed tightening, at first I thought, “Not bad! Finally, a bonus for suffering through toothaches and diabetes scares!”
But soon after, reality set in: I realised that losing weight because I wasn’t eating properly wasn’t something to brag about or celebrate.
I wasn’t becoming healthier—I was becoming weaker.
I saw how my muscles shrank, how my once-comfortable daily tasks now seemed exhausting, and my physical resilience and stamina dwindled day by day.
Is that healthy? Absolutely not.
So, this wasn’t something to be proud of, but something to fix.
Healthy Weight Loss vs. Unhealthy Weight Loss
There’s a huge difference between deliberate, healthy weight loss and unintentional weight loss due to stress, illness, or lack of proper nutrition:
- Healthy weight loss is controlled, balanced, and planned. You eat healthily, exercise regularly, and maintain a good nutritional intake to sustain your body’s functions.
- Unhealthy weight loss occurs when your body suffers nutritional deficiencies, medical issues, or emotional stress that leads to reduced appetite.
Unfortunately, my recent experience was the latter.
And that is not something I—or anyone else—should aspire to.
So, What Should We Do?
Now, knowing what we know, the best step forward is ensuring balanced nutrition, even when our appetite is suppressed due to stress or emotional distress:
- Small, Frequent Meals
Rather than forcing yourself to eat large meals when not hungry, have small, balanced meals more frequently throughout the day. - Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods
Choose nutrient-dense foods, rich in proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
Even a few nutritious bites can help maintain your overall health. - Hydrate Properly
Sometimes thirst is confused with hunger.
Drinking adequate amounts of water can prevent unnecessary stress on the body and encourage healthier eating habits. - Exercise Moderately
Gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, stimulates appetite and preserves muscle mass even during periods of reduced eating. - Seek Emotional Support
Sometimes the real issue is emotional or psychological.
Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust, or seek professional guidance if stress or emotional issues are suppressing your appetite.
Reflecting on the Deeper Meaning (A Little Wisdom from Krisna)
As a servant of Allah, experiencing these challenges reminded me of something vital: our body is an amanah—a trust from God—and we’re responsible for taking care of it.
Any neglect can be considered a betrayal of this sacred trust.
Yes, it’s easy to get lost in stress, emotions, and life drama, but the physical and mental health Allah granted us needs to be treated wisely and gratefully.
It’s okay to struggle, but remember, we are not alone.
God equipped us with brains to seek solutions and find balance.
That’s why recognising unhealthy behaviours—like neglecting proper nutrition due to emotional struggles—is important for improving our lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
In the End…
Healthy living is not simply about losing weight—it’s about nourishing your body, mind, and soul simultaneously.
Next time you catch yourself smiling because your clothes suddenly fit loosely due to less eating, pause a moment to reflect: am I genuinely healthier, or is my body crying out for help?
Taking care of your health is taking care of your soul.
It’s not about vanity or appearance alone; it’s about respect, gratitude, and responsibility to yourself and your Creator.
Life is already hard enough—don’t make it harder by ignoring your most important responsibility: taking care of yourself.
Stay Healthy. Stay Grateful.
