A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Turkey has upended conventional wisdom about weight loss, suggesting that shedding pounds quickly may be more effective than a gradual approach. Researchers from Norway found that individuals who lost weight rapidly not only achieved greater initial weight loss but were also more likely to maintain it over a year.
Study Details
The research team analyzed data from 284 obese adults, dividing them into two groups. The rapid weight loss group followed a 16-week plan with calorie restrictions: 1,000 calories daily for the first eight weeks, 1,300 for weeks nine to 12, and 1,500 for the final four weeks. In contrast, the gradual weight loss group was advised to reduce daily intake by 1,000 calories, with participants self-reporting consumption of approximately 1,400 calories per day. For context, the NHS recommends 2,500 calories daily for an average man and 2,000 for an average woman.
Key Findings
During the initial 16-week weight loss phase, the rapid group lost significantly more body weight—an average of 12.9% of total body weight compared to 8.1% in the gradual group. After a year, the rapid group had lost 14.4% while the gradual group lost 10.5%. The study concludes that rapid weight loss, when professionally supervised, may be more effective for reaching key weight targets and reducing obesity-related health risks.
Expert Commentary
Lead author Dr. Line Kristin Johnson from Vestfold Hospital Trust stated: “Our results clearly challenge the prevailing belief that slow and steady gradual weight loss is necessary to prevent weight regain.” Dr. Marie Spreckley from the University of Cambridge added: “This is an important study because it challenges the longstanding assumption that gradual weight loss is superior for long-term outcomes.”
