Purcell et al. 2014. The effect of rate of weight loss on long-term weight management: a randomised controlled trial

A randomised controlled trial which investigated the rate of weight loss on the rate of regain in people who are obese (fast versus slow weight loss). The interpretation of the results were that the rate of weight loss does not affect the proportion of weight regained within 144 weeks. These findings are not consistent with present dietary guidelines which recommend gradual over rapid weight loss, based on the belief that rapid weight loss is more quickly regained.