Quick Weight Loss Versus Slow Weight Loss

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is an interesting question. Is it better to lose weight over a long period of time or quickly?

A new study in the journal The Lancet looked at 200 Australian men and women who were put into two groups: a 12-week rapid weight loss or a 36-week gradual program. They were both designed to help the participants lose 15 percent of their body weight.

The rapid weight loss group was more successful but here is the interesting news: patients in both groups regained about 70 percent of the weight within two and a half years.

Here is the crucial point. It is well documented that these aggressive diets are extremely difficult to maintain long term. The authors suggest the best chance for long term success is a diet that can be sustained because once calories in the diet increase there is inevitable weight gain.