Rapid Weight Loss vs. Slow Weight Loss: Which is More Effective on Body Composition and Metabolic Risk Factors?
Obese and overweight individuals aim for weight loss (WL) in a short period regardless of its consequences. The review of studies showed that metabolic differences of rapid weight loss and slow weight-loss diets are still unclear. The author Matin Ghanavati and colleagues published a study under the title “Rapid Weight Loss vs. Slow Weight Loss: Which is More Effective on Body Composition and Metabolic Risk Factors?” in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. The summary of this study is given below:
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of rapid and slow weight loss on glycemic and lipid parameters of obese and overweight individuals.
Method:
42 obese and overweight individuals were randomly divided into two groups. Rapid WL group aimed for weight loss of at least 5% in 5 weeks whereas the slow WL group aimed for weight loss of at least 5% in 15 weeks. The same percentage of weight loss is assigned to compare the effects of WL in both groups. Anthropometric indices, glycemic, and lipid profiles, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention.
Findings:
The study found a reduction in hip circumference, waist circumference, total body water, body fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), lean body mass (LBM), and resting metabolic rate (RMR) with both rapid and slow WL protocol. There was a greater reduction of hip circumference, waist circumference, and FFM with slow WL whereas a greater reduction of total body water, LBM, and RMR were observed with rapid WL. Additionally, rapid WL also has an impact on reducing levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and greater improvement of insulin resistance and sensitivity. Investigators assume that a weight loss decrease in blood pressure is more noticeable in hypertension patients as no significant changes were observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with these two protocols.
Although improved lipid and glycemic profiles are observed with both the protocols, rapid WL was more effective. On the other hand, body composition is more favorable following a slow WL.
Limitation:
Although many studies suggest that rapid weight loss may lead to weight regain, the investigators in this study didn’t evaluate weight regain.
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