The right way to lose weight

Dec 12, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - Christmas party season is upon us, and for those concerned that they may no longer fit into that gown or dress suit, the option of engaging in a rapid weight-loss diet is very attractive.

'Anyone can lose up to 1,500 grams of body fat in 10 days by going on a balanced protein vitamin drink diet,' says doctor and nutritional expert Detlef Pape from the western German city of Essen.

According to Pape, participants in such a 'very extreme but very effective' diet take a protein mix drink containing all the body's necessary vitamins and minerals five times a day. Nothing else is consumed during the day.

The principle is based on the simple formula that the body receives fewer calories than it needs.

'An energy deficit develops, which the body closes by tapping into its fat reserves,' explains Pape.

This method of weight loss is called a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) and is mostly recommended for people with severe obesity problems.

'That's no problem for the body,' says Pape.

However, if a person wished to remain on a VLCD for longer than 10 days then Pape advises that medical advice is sought first.

The method is also not recommended for achieving permanent weight loss among people who are slightly overweight.

Silke Restemeyer from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) doesn't believe in rapid weight loss as a successful and long-term way to lose weight.

'Losing weight slowly over time is better for the body,' she says. The expert recommends that dieters set themselves a target of losing not more than 500 grams per week.

'Anyone wanting to avoid the famous yo-yo effect needs to alter their diet on a long-term basis,' Restemeyer advises.

This means eating more fruit, vegetables and cereals while cutting down on meat and fatty foods.

It also doesn't matter if a person has three or five meals a day. 'What's important is that people don't skip mealtimes altogether as otherwise they will get cravings later,' says Restemeyer.

Not surprisingly, Restemeyer recommends exercise as an essential element in any diet, suggesting cycling to work instead of taking the car, or using the stairs instead of the lift.

'It's important to integrate movement and activity into your daily life,' she says.

Getting involved in any kind of sport is the ideal option, she says. 'What's most important is that it is fun because otherwise it will be difficult to continue doing it.'