Yo-Yo Dieting Claim Of Rapid Weight Loss 'A Myth'

The idea that losing weight too fast leads to "yo-yo" dieting is a "myth", according to research.

Scientists claim shedding the pounds rapidly is the best way to achieve slimming goals.

That contradicts current advice and dietary recommendations that favour slow and steady weight loss.

Australian researcher Katrina Purcell, from the University of Melbourne, said: "Our results show that achieving a weight loss target of 12.5% is more likely, and drop-out is lower, if losing weight is done quickly."

The study looked at 200 obese adults who were randomly assigned to one of two slimming diets.

One was a 12-week rapid weight loss (RWL) programme on a strict diet of 450 to 800 calories a day and the other was a 36-week gradual weight loss (GWL) programme in accordance with current guidelines.

Participants who lost more than 12.5% of their bodyweight were then placed on a weight maintenance diet for three years.

Those on the rapid diet were more likely to meet their slimming target, with 81% of the group shedding at least 12.5% of body weight.

Only half of the gradual slimmers achieved this goal.

Weight regain was about the same for both sets of participants on the maintenance diet and in each case, about 71% of lost weight was restored after three years.

US expert Dr Corbin Martin and Professor Kishore Gadde, from Pennington Biomedical Research Centre in Baton Rouge wrote: "The study ... indicates that for weight loss, a slow and steady approach does not win the race, and the myth that rapid weight loss is associated with rapid weight regain is no more true than Aesop's (tortoise and hare) fable."

British dietary expert Professor Susan Jebb, from Oxford University, said: "It shows clearly that the common claim that more rapid initial weight loss is associated with more rapid regain is false.

"This is important because it will enable professionals to recommend a broader range of treatment options so that people may be more likely to find the one that is best suited to their lifestyle."