Reticulum Rex Medical Information Centre

The very low-calorie diet promotes fast weight loss for obese patients. The diet must be supervised by a physician. The dietitian recommends formulas, usually bars or liquid shakes that replace the food intake for several months. The diet must be supervised by a physician. The dietitian recommends formulas, usually bars or liquid shakes that replace the food intake for several months.

People who follow a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) consume up to 800 calories per day. VLCD formulas shouldn`t be confused with meal replacements like bars, shakes, or entrees. The formulas must include vitamins and micronutrients according to the nutritional requirements of each person.
VLCDs may be used to produce short-term weight loss for people who are obese and deal with medical problems because of it, like blood pressure. The very low-calorie diets are not good for children or teenagers, except in specialized treatments. People over fifty may not tolerate VLCD because of its side effects.

After a week of very low-calorie diet, weight loss of three to five pounds is registered by moderately to extremely obese people and the high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure may be improved.
VLCDs have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or fatigue. Although the side effects usually disappear within a few weeks and don`t stop people from ending their program, another side effect is gallstone formation (especially for women) because of the increased level of cholesterol from gallbladder.

Weight gain after VLCD is common but may be prevented. You may combine a VLCD with physical activity and a follow-up treatment to prevent unwanted weight gain.