Theories on fast or slow diets carry little weight

It’s advice that’s been peddled forever to dieters, but now medics have blown a hole in the theory — research has found whether you lose weight quickly or slowly does not reduce the amount or rate of weight you regain.

The findings have led those who conducted the research to describe “the myth that rapid weight loss is associated with rapid weight regain” as “no more true than Aesop’s fable”.

The study, carried out by Australian researchers, runs contrary to current dietary recommendations.