Very-low-calorie diet

Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

A Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), sometimes referred to as a starvation diet, is a diet characterized by extremely low daily food energy intake. It is typically defined as a diet that provides 800 to 1200 calories per day or less.

Definition and Overview

VLCDs are specially formulated, nutritionally complete, liquid meals containing no more than 800 kilocalories per day. These diets are designed to provide all the necessary nutrients required for a healthy daily intake, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids, and protein.

A typical VLCD meal replacement

Composition

The composition of a VLCD can vary. Carbohydrates may be significantly reduced or entirely absent, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of protein in the diet. This adjustment in macronutrients has notable metabolic effects.

Health Considerations

VLCDs are generally used under medical supervision to ensure that the individual's nutritional and health needs are met. They are often a temporary measure for rapid weight loss in people with specific health conditions.

Benefits

• Rapid weight loss
• Improved control of conditions such as diabetes

Risks

• Potential nutrient deficiencies
• Metabolic complications
• Requires medical supervision

Indications

A VLCD is typically undertaken by an obese patient who wishes to lose a lot of weight quickly, as the risk to health that obesity presents is considered much greater than any risks of the diet itself, so long as it is undertaken with medical supervision.

Health effects

• VLCDs have been shown to be more effective than behavioral weight loss programs, achieving approximately 4 kg more weight loss at 1 year.
• Another potential side effect is constipation (depending on the fiber content of the diet).

See also

• Obesity
• Weight loss
• Calorie restriction
• Negative-calorie food
• Ketosis
• List of diets

Usage in Medical Settings

VLCDs are often used in medical settings for obese patients needing rapid weight loss for specific health reasons, such as before undergoing surgery.

External Links

• Healthline: Very Low Calorie Diets
• WebMD: Very Low Calorie Diets

References

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