Very low calorie diet

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Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), pronounced as /ˈvɛri loʊ ˈkæləri daɪət/, is a type of diet that involves consuming fewer than 800 calories per day. This diet is under the category of low calorie diets, but is more extreme in its approach.

Etymology

The term "Very Low Calorie Diet" is derived from the English words "very", "low", "calorie", and "diet". "Very" is from the Old English 'fære', meaning 'greatly'; "low" is from the Old Norse 'lāgr', meaning 'not high'; "calorie" is from the French 'calorie', a unit of heat, and "diet" is from the Latin 'diaeta', meaning 'way of living'.

Description

A VLCD is a medically supervised diet, often used to help obese or severely overweight individuals lose weight quickly. It typically involves the consumption of meal replacement products, such as shakes or bars, which are high in protein and vitamins, but low in carbohydrates and fats.

Risks and Benefits

While a VLCD can result in significant weight loss, it also carries potential risks, including nutrient deficiency, gallstone formation, and heart problems. Therefore, it is important to undertake a VLCD under medical supervision. On the other hand, benefits of a VLCD may include improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.

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