Rapid Diet May Be Best Weight Loss Solution

Controversy has long reigned over the best way to lose weight. Will slow and steady win the race or is rapid weight loss a better solution to the problem? A new study shows that the motivating factor of quicker weight loss is more effective and retains participants over the more gradual shedding of pounds.

Research out of the University of Melbourne in Australia presented today at the International Congress on Obesity in Stockholm showed that losing a lot of weight at once is a better way to permanently slim down. Dividing participants into two groups, the study compared a rapid diet—achieving a weight loss of 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilos) per week over a period of 12 weeks—to a gradual diet where the goal was 1.1 pound (.5 kilos) per week for 36 weeks.

Participants all weighed in around 200-220 pounds at the onset of the program. In the rapid diet group 78 percent achieved their weight loss goals, while only 48 percent did so in the gradual diet. In addition, the dropout rate for participants in the rapid diet group was one-quarter of that in the gradual diet group, leading researchers to surmise that early and continued success on a higher level motivated participants to continue the diet.

On the rapid diet, "subjects lose 1.5 kg a week and that keeps them going. On the gradual diet, when you lose 0.5 kg now and then" motivation is harder to keep, said study author Katrina Purcell. Additional, the study found that net weight loss one year after the intervention was higher for those with a higher initial weight loss.

While this study compared rapid and gradual weight losses, they did not include dangerous crash diets, where large amounts of weight are lost in an unhealthy way in a short period of time. Both groups of participants ate healthy foods in moderate portions to achieve their goals and the authors were quick to warn against any kind of crash diet and advised that prior to embarking on a weight loss program that you consult your physician.

If you are interested in beginning your weight loss now, visit the HealthNews diet pages and test out our Individual Diet Selection tool, which can help find the right diet for you lifestyle.