Is there a limit for healthy weight loss rate?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello Dr. Feigenbaum,

I’ve usually encountered the 0.5-1% BW per week as a good goal to aim as a weight loss rate. However I’m wondering if there is any validity to this recommendation and if one would be fine if losing say 2-3% bodyweight in a given week or maybe more? Is there such a thing as a healthy upper limit to weight loss rate?

2

No validity to that recommendation with respect to long term weight loss success or better health outcomes. Rapid weight loss can work fine too, provided appropriate behavioral changes are in place to support that.

3

Alright! Thank you for the response, Doc.