New study suggests rapid weight loss may be more effective than gradual dieting

According to a new study, people who shed pounds quickly achieve more significant results in weight loss than those who lose it gradually, and are more likely to maintain it for a longer period of time.

The new study published at the European Congress on Obesity primarily determines the impacts of a rapid weight loss programme compared to a gradual one.

The 16-week rapid weight loss programme observed participants limited to 1,000 calories in weeks one to eight, and 13,000 calories in weeks nine to 12 and 15,000 calories in weeks 13 to 16.

However, the research team clarified that during the initial 16-week programme, greater rapid weight loss was observed than in the gradual weight loss group.

In this connection, the authors of this study said: “These findings indicate that, when provided within a controlled and professionally supervised setting, rapid weight loss may represent a more effective method than gradual weight loss for reaching key body weight targets associated with reduced obesity-related health risks.”

Conversely, lead author, Dr Line Kristin Johnson said: “Our results clearly challenge the prevailing belief that slow and steady gradual weight loss is necessary to prevent weight regain and reduce obesity-related complications.

“By contrast, we show that rapid weight loss is not associated with weight gain, and, more importantly, that a larger proportion of participants undergoing rapid weight loss – compared with gradual weight loss.”

The study results demonstrated that because many individuals with obesity cannot access medical treatments, commercial weight-loss plans help to reduce the growing burden on public healthcare systems. 

Notably, the findings challenged the significant long-standing belief that gradual weight loss is necessary to avoid gaining weight later.