Efficacy and Feasibility of an Intermittent Weight Loss Program.

The goal of the study is to measure the effect of an approach including phases of active weight loss broken by weight stabilisation periods (named intermittent weight loss) on the metabolic profile. First, the intermittent weight loss approach will contribute to create an artificial transitory steady state during the weight loss treatment that will help to minimize the adverse effects of the standard approach on muscle mass and resting metabolic rate. Second, despite a comparable fat mass loss, the intermittent weight loss approach will improve the metabolic profile to a greater degree compared to the standard approach. Finally, the intermittent weight loss approach will be associated with less weight regain after the treatment since the beneficial effect on muscle mass and metabolic rate.