Very Low Calorie Diet

What is a VLCD?

A very low-calorie diet -- sometimes referred to as a VLC diet or VLCD -- is a medically-supervised diet plan that produces rapid weight loss. VLC diets are used to help moderately to extremely obese people achieve significant, short-term weight loss as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that also typically includes therapy, nutrition counseling, and exercise.

How do VLC Diets Work?

VLC diets are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the beginning of an ongoing weight-loss program. Liquid shakes or meal replacement bars replace food for anywhere between several weeks to several months.

Since patients on a VLC diet usually only consume about 800 calories a day, the meal replacements are specially formulated to contain adequate vitamins and nutrients so patients' nutritional requirements are met. (Note: The bars and shakes used are not the same as those you can purchase in the grocery store.) Some VLC diets include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken.

Who are VLC Diets For?

They are intended for patients whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 30 with significant comorbidities (illnesses or diseases related to morbid obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure). VLC diets are not normally used for patients with a BMI between 27 and 30 unless they have medical conditions related to their weight.

VLC diets are not usually prescribed for children or teens. They are also not usually considered appropriate for older people due to potential side effects, pre-existing medical conditions, and/or medication needs.

A physician must decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not a VLC diet is appropriate for a patient.

Continued: Side Effects and Success >>

View the original article here