We’ve all heard that losing weight too quickly is bad for you. And while it’s still not healthy to try a restrictive fad diet that slashes calories (and nutrients), you may be more likely to keep off the weight if you lose a little more in the beginning. According to The Los Angeles Times, researchers at the University of Florida compared keep-it-off results among 262 middle-aged obese women in a six-month program intended to help them make better lifestyle choices with food and exercise. The researchers engaged in supportive followup for a year.

In the end, women who lost the most weight during the first month were more likely to keep that weight off than were women who lost a more moderate amount of weight during that time period. Similarly, women in the moderate group were more likely to keep the weight off than were women who lost only a bit of weight that first month.

We all need motivation. If you work your butt off for three weeks and lose just a pound or two (not really enough to notice in your clothes), you’ll probably decide that all the work isn’t worth it. Positive reinforcement is important – and knowing that you’re being “healthy” somehow is never quite as motivating as how you’ll look in a little black dress or bikini.

Doctors have often said that 1-2 pounds a week is a safe rate of weight loss. Maybe aim for that two and work harder if you only see one!

Photo: LoseFatFastDiet