Rapid Wt Loss: Harmful?

[Guest guest]

In a topic of how fast to lose weight for a " newbie "

on 4/4/07

I said...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

" However, for those who have BMIs over 30 or BMIs of

27-30 along with serious health conditions, I dont

think this " caution " always applies as for many the

health risks of being that obese outweigh the

health risks of rapid weight loss.

The only known serious side effect that has been

documented in humans from too rapid of a weight loss

is gallstones. This happens mostly in women and is a

result of increased cholesterol levels in the

gallbladder. And if appropriate, there are some

medications that can be prescribed short term to

minimize this risk.

A little more rapid weight loss is also very

motivating for those with BMIs over 30.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This study on patients who have lost over 100 pounds,

just came out in the AJCN, which confirms these

comments. The

The average weight loss was around 3# per week over 44

weeks. And, all showed significant health improvements

and were followed up for 5 years.

Regards

jeff

W , B Conley, and Amy S

One hundred-pound weight losses with an intensive

behavioral program:

changes in risk factors in 118 patients with long-term

follow-up.

Am J Clin Nutr 2007 86: 301-7.

ABSTRACT

Background: Treatment of severe obesity is difficult;

in the past,

lifestyle

measures did not prove effective. Recently, however,

intensive

behavioral

interventions using meal replacements and low-energy

diets have enabled

some

severely obese persons to achieve nonobese weights.

Objective: We assessed rates of weight loss, changes

in risk factors

and

medication requirements, and long-term weight

maintenance in patients

who

lost 100 pounds (45.5 kg).

Design: Over a 9-y period, we prospectively identified

patients who

lost 100

pounds (45.5 kg) and actively recorded follow-up

weights. Charts were

systematically reviewed to assess outcome measures and

side effects.

The

intervention included meal replacements (shakes and

entrées),

low-energy

diets, weekly classes, and training in record keeping

and physical

activity.

Assessments included weekly weights, laboratory

studies, medication

use,

lifestyle behaviors, side effects, and follow-up

weights.

Results: Sixty-three men and 55 women lost 100 pounds.

At baseline, the

subjects' average weight was 160 kg, 97% had 1

obesity-related

comorbidity,

and 74% were taking medications for comorbidities.

Weight losses

averaged 61

kg in 44 wk. Medications were discontinued in 66% of

patients with a

cost

savings of $100/mo. Despite medication

discontinuation, significant

decreases in LDL cholesterol (20%), triacylglycerol

(36%), glucose

(17%),

and systolic (13%) and diastolic (15%) blood pressure

values were seen.

Side

effects were mild, and only 2 patients had severe or

serious adverse

events.

At an average of 5 y of follow-up, patients were

maintaining an average

weight loss of 30 kg.

Conclusion: Intensive behavioral intervention can be

very effective

with

minimal risk for certain severely obese persons