Is A Slow And Steady Weight Loss Ideal? New Research Says Otherwise

For years now both physicians and researchers have been telling people 'slow and steady weight loss is best'. New research, however, actually points in the opposite direction. Considerable study has been conducted on the best speed at which someone loses weight, particularly when examining the long-term consequences of that weight loss. One of the most common recommendations for dieters is to avoid losing weight too quickly, which many have previously claimed results in 'yo-yo' results. Recent research conducted by the University of Melbourne actually shows the opposite to be true. This recent study found that the faster someone is able to lose weight, the more likely it was that they were able to keep the weight off in the long term.

These sorts of rapid diets, often called RWL, is a strict diet of 500 to 800 cal per day. This is a very common weight loss technique, having been used for years as part of the hCG diet. However only recently has it been identified as a powerful weight loss method even without the use of the hormone as is traditional. Participants in the study who needed to lose over 12.5% of their total body weight also were prescribed a maintenance diet for three years afterwards. The results were startling, with over 81% of the group of the rapid weight loss plan lost their goal weight, in comparison to less than 50% of the more gradual group.

What is Attributed As Bringing About This Result

The results from the study indicated that weight that was regained was far lower for both sets of participants if they were on a maintenance diet after they achieved their goal weight. In either case, roughly 71% of all the weight that was lost returned within three years. The authors of the study suggested that better results were actually achieved by those who also limited carbohydrate intake along with the very low calorie diet. This was thought to be a result of the body burning fat, using a particular substance known as ketones, which suppress hunger. There is also considerable evidence that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely it is for people to persist and stick to the diet they are on.

Several researchers have found fault with this analysis, however it does still present a good insight into many of the problems people will face when trying to lose weight. What's most important, as the studies have shown, is finding a method that actually works for you and is sustainable over a long period. A British dietary expert from Oxford University, Susan Jebb, indicated that the study is important as it shows the common claim that rapid weight loss results in poor results is not necessarily true for most. The rapid weight loss group was much more likely to stick to the plan, and also to achieve the end goal. This speaks to motivational factors are important in any successful weight program.

It's definitely difficult to assess the best methods for every person from a simple study such as this one, as there is some wide variation on what will work best among people. Gradual weight loss may be even slower, ideally, than what was tested, and therefore the results do not speak to some universal law regarding weight loss. However, what is clear is that rapid weight loss in some cases can be more advisable. A "fad diet" where you are going on some kind of "crash" method may actually be more successful ultimately than trying to adjust your body with only small progress seen per week on the diet (maybe as little as half a pound). This is why it's imperative to find a method that works for you, and also one that is sustainable.