Crash diets 'work best' claim misguided

Conclusion This study challenges the widely held view that losing weight gradually, as recommended in current guidelines, results in better long-term weight reduction and less weight regain compared to losing weight rapidly using a very low-calorie diet. The study found that though initially more people in the rapid weight loss group achieved the target weight loss compared to the gradual weight loss group, when these participants then entered the longer-term maintenance phase where all followed individualised diets. Equivalent proportions in each group then regained weight. The sad fact seems to be that whatever type of diet is followed, maintaining weight loss in the long term is the real challenge. The study had some limitations. As the authors point out, the main weakness was its exclusion of people who smoked, had diabetes, took weight-altering drugs or were severely obese. Many people with obesity also have diabetes and are often smokers. This makes it difficult to know if the results are generalisable to the average person seeking medical assistance with weight loss. It is also important to recognise that this study may not have captured the harmful effects that may be associated with rapid weight loss. This study did observe that one person in the rapid weight loss group developed acute gallbladder inflammation, and this was attributed to the weight loss programme being followed. Rapid weight loss can also result in greater loss of muscle mass, and a very low-calor...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Obesity Source Type: news