Rapid Weight Loss

It is defined as the loss of more than 2lbs per week and is typically achieved with some combination of low calorie and/or low calorie and/or low-carbohydrate or low-fat foods in the diet, coupled with exercise. There are several different kinds of rapid weight loss plans, but some of the most popular are listed below.

• Low-calorie diets such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig
• Very low-calorie diets such as juice fasts, cabbage soup plan, and the 1 bite diet
• Low carbohydrate diets such as South Beach Diet and Atkins
• Intermittent fasting

Rapid weight loss is appealing in that you can lose weight faster than more conservative plans. Many people who start a rapid weight loss plan have an event such as a wedding coming up that they want to look good for. It is important to recognize that rapid weight loss diets, if not cleared by a medical provider can lead to medical emergencies such as heart attacks, hormone imbalances, and even death.

Slow Weight Loss: the alternative to rapid weight loss is a slow and steady weight loss plan which is defined as 1lb per week.  Plans typically instruct dieters to take your maintenance calorie intake and subtract 250-300 calories from that. This approach prevents a slowing of the metabolism which can occur in rapid weight loss due to loss of muscle tissue and less stress on the body. Proper food choices and exercise are also important for this plan. According to the medical community, this is truly the best way to lose weight but takes patience and diligence.

Rapid vs Slow Weight Loss

For years doctors and medical research have been claiming that the slow and steady 1lb a week weight loss approach is the most effective. The claim is that not only is slow and steady healthier for the body, but those who lose weight slowly are more likely to keep it off.

You may be surprised to hear this, but new research claims that those who lose weight rapidly are more likely to reach their goal weight and equally as likely to keep it off. A study published by Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology compared a 12-week rapid weight loss plan to a 36 week slower weight loss plan and found the rapid weight loss plan actually had better short and long term results. However, the majority of participants in both group regained most of the weight lost over several months. This was taken as good news by all those impatient dieters out there, but is rapid weight loss really safe? Many doctors still say no because rapid weight loss puts a large stress on the body and in rapid weight loss you are more likely to lose muscle rather than fat, which will slow metabolism.