Slow, Steady Weight Loss May Not Be the Best Way . . .

I recall being told that it was better to aim to lose a pound a week, to start with.  A new study suggests this is not necessarily the case.  Quick weight loss gives more lasting results, at least in this study.  It’s reported online in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 

The definition of successful weight loss in obesity has been defined as a reduction of 10% or greater of original weight maintained for at least a year.  The difficult part is maintenance for a year, and there have been numerous studies showing that a slow but continuous weight loss.  Scientists from the University of Florida decided to test this approach, in comparison with a ‘quick loss’ method. 

The data came from the TOURS trial (Treatment of Obesity in Underserved Rural Settings), in which 262 obese middle-aged women followed a 6-month lifestyle program aimed at achieving an average weight loss of one pound a week.  They were encouraged to reduce their calorie intake and increase their moderate intensity physical activity.  They then had a further year’s support with an extended care program – contact twice a month in group sessions, by phone, or newsletters.

Based on their weight loss during the first month, participants were categorized as Fast Losers if they lost over 1½ pounds a week, Moderate Losers if they lost between ½ and  1½ pounds a week, and Slow Losers if they lost less than ½ pound a week.  The researchers then examined their weight loss after 6 and 18 months.

At 6 months, the Fast, Moderate, and Slow losers had lost, on average, 30, 19½, and 11 pounds, respectively.  At the 18-month interval, the weight loss for Fast, Moderate, and Slow Losers was 24, 15½, and 8 pounds, respectively.  The Fast and Moderate Losers were 5.1 and 2.7 times more likely to achieve the clinically-significant 10% weight loss at 18 months than the Slow Losers. 

The researchers conclude that losing weight at a fast initial rate leads to greater short-term weight reductions, and is associated with larger weight losses and overall success in weight management.  I’m not so sure, however, that a loss of one pound a week for the first month is a particularly fast start.  I’ll be interested to hear what the experts have to say.