Madeleine Hull
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD), also known as a semistarvation or crash diet, is a type of diet with very or extremely low daily food energy consumption. VLCDs typically range from 400 to 800 calories per day and are often used for rapid weight loss. They are generally considered safe when done under medical supervision for periods of 8-16 weeks, but there are potential side effects and health risks associated with severe calorie restriction. VLCDs are typically used as a short-term solution and may be difficult to maintain weight loss over a longer period.
Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calorie Intake | 400-800 calories per day |
| Protein Intake | 50g of high-quality protein |
| Other Nutrients | Amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements |
| Duration | 8-16 weeks |
| Weight Loss | 1.5-2.5 kg/week |
| Side Effects | Headaches, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, low blood sugar, bad breath, diarrhea, dizziness, hair loss |
| Supervision | Medical supervision is required due to health risks |
| Usage | Prescribed for obese individuals or rapid weight loss before surgery |
| Effectiveness | More effective than behavioral weight loss programs in the short term |
| Cost | £336-£504 for 12 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
- A VLCD is a rapid weight-loss program, often used before surgery
- It is a medically supervised diet, with a maximum duration of 12 weeks
- VLCDs are defined as diets with 400-800 calories per day
- They are effective for short-term weight loss but may be difficult to maintain
- VLCDs can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and hair loss
A VLCD is a rapid weight-loss program, often used before surgery
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a rapid weight-loss program that involves severely restricting calorie intake to 800 calories or fewer per day. This level of calorie restriction may be considered a semistarvation or crash diet, and it is not recommended without medical supervision due to associated health risks. VLCDs are typically used for obese individuals who need to lose weight quickly for health reasons or before undergoing weight-loss surgery.
VLCDs are often prescribed when other weight-loss attempts have been unsuccessful. They can be effective in achieving short-term weight loss, with an average weight loss of 1.5-2.5 kg/week. However, maintaining weight loss over a longer period can be challenging, and individuals may struggle to maintain their weight after discontinuing the diet.
VLCDs generally provide 450 to 800 kcal per day and are usually followed for a maximum of 12 weeks. They are often combined with ketogenic (very-low-carbohydrate) diets or intermittent fasting. To ensure adequate nutrition, VLCDs require vitamin and mineral supplementation, and the most common approach is through proprietary liquid supplements consumed at each meal.
VLCDs can have side effects, including headaches, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, low blood sugar, bad breath, diarrhea, dizziness, and hair loss. Additionally, there is a risk of developing gallstones if the fat content of the VLCD is insufficient. Therefore, medical supervision is crucial when undergoing a VLCD to monitor for potential side effects and ensure the diet is followed safely.
VLCDs have been shown to be more effective than behavioural weight-loss programs or other diets in achieving greater short-term weight loss and sustained weight loss over several years. They can also improve symptoms in patients with certain conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea, which may be exacerbated by obesity.
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It is a medically supervised diet, with a maximum duration of 12 weeks
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a medically supervised diet that should only be followed under medical supervision. It is a rapid weight-loss program in which calories are severely restricted, typically to 800 calories or fewer per day. VLCDs are almost always prescribed for medical reasons to help manage obesity and related conditions. They are defined as diets that limit energy intake to 1.88–3.35MJ (450–800 kcal) per day while providing at least 50 grams of high-quality protein and amino acids, essential fatty acids, and daily requirements of trace elements, vitamins, and minerals.
VLCDs are generally recommended for anyone who is overweight or obese and wants or needs to lose weight effectively using a strictly nutritionally balanced plan. They are often used in conjunction with ketogenic (very-low-carbohydrate) diets or intermittent fasting. The most commonly prescribed VLCDs are full-liquid diets, such as Optifast and Health Management Resources. These diets are designed to help individuals lose weight quickly due to the health consequences of obesity.
VLCDs have been shown to be effective in short-term weight loss and are considered safe when used under medical supervision. Weight losses of approximately 20 to 25% of initial body weight typically occur within 16 weeks of treatment. However, individuals who use VLCDs may find it difficult to maintain their weight loss over a 1-year period. It is important to note that VLCDs should only be followed if prescribed by a doctor, as they can carry health risks. Side effects of VLCDs can include headaches, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, low blood sugar, bad breath, diarrhea, dizziness, and hair loss.
The maximum duration of a VLCD is typically recommended to be 12 weeks. This is because VLCDs are generally recommended for shorter-term use, and the weight rebound that usually occurs at the end of the program may not make them worth the effort for some individuals. During this 12-week period, VLCDs can help individuals lose weight in a scientifically proven, healthy way. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and health risks of a VLCD before starting such a restrictive diet.
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VLCDs are defined as diets with 400-800 calories per day
Very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are defined as diets with 400-800 calories per day. They are often used for rapid weight loss, especially in cases of morbid obesity or before a bariatric surgery. VLCDs are also called semistarvation or crash diets because they involve severely restricting calorie intake.
VLCDs are typically fully liquid diets, with each meal consisting of a liquid supplement. These liquid meals are formulated to be nutritionally complete, providing the daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids, protein, and electrolytes. Carbohydrates may be absent or substituted with protein.
VLCDs are generally safe when done under medical supervision for periods of 8-16 weeks, with an average weight loss of 1.5-2.5 kg/week. However, there are some health risks and side effects associated with VLCDs, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hair loss, constipation, dehydration, low blood sugar, and dizziness.
VLCDs should only be followed if prescribed by a doctor, as they are not suitable for everyone. They are typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher who have struggled with weight loss through less aggressive approaches. When considering the potential for malnutrition and weight regain after VLCD treatment, there is doubt as to whether VLCDs are preferable to more moderate diets.
VLCDs can be expensive, as they often involve purchasing meal replacements that may not be covered by health insurance. However, some people may find them cost-effective compared to buying groceries or restaurant meals.
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They are effective for short-term weight loss but may be difficult to maintain
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a rapid weight-loss program that involves consuming 800 calories or fewer per day. VLCDs are often used by obese individuals who need to lose weight quickly due to health consequences. They are also used before major surgery to facilitate weight loss.
VLCDs are effective for short-term weight loss. Studies have shown that VLCDs can achieve higher short-term weight loss compared to more modest or gradual calorie-restricted diets. They can be a good choice for specific people and situations, and are almost always prescribed for medical reasons to help manage obesity and related conditions. VLCDs are more effective than behavioural weight-loss programs or other diets, with an average weight loss of 1.5-2.5 kg/week.
However, VLCDs may be difficult to maintain over the long term. Individuals who use VLCDs often find it difficult to maintain their weight loss over a 1-year period. VLCDs are very restrictive, and there is a risk of muscle loss, slower metabolism, nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and other side effects. Without proper nutrition, individuals may tire easily and develop or exacerbate health problems.
To safely follow a VLCD, medical supervision is required. VLCDs should only be followed if prescribed by a doctor, who can help manage potential risks and side effects. Staying on a VLCD long-term is often not recommended, and it is typically undertaken for a maximum of 12 weeks for rapid weight loss. Maintaining weight loss after a VLCD requires a healthy lifestyle and a gradual transition to a sustainable diet plan.
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VLCDs can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and hair loss
Very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are defined as diets with an energy level of 800 kcal or fewer per day. They are often used to achieve rapid weight loss, especially before major surgeries. VLCDs are usually fully liquid diets, with regulated formulations in Europe and North America to ensure daily nutritional requirements are met.
VLCDs can be effective for short-term weight loss, but they are not recommended for the general public due to safety concerns and the potential for adverse side effects. These side effects can include nausea, dizziness, and hair loss, among other symptoms.
Nausea is a common side effect of VLCDs, which can also lead to vomiting. This may be due to the drastic reduction in calories and the body's response to semi-starvation. The feeling of nausea can be exacerbated by the potential development of gallstones, which are common during rapid weight loss. When the body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient calorie intake, the liver produces more cholesterol, which combines with bile and can form gallstones.
Dizziness is another frequently reported side effect of VLCDs. This may be related to dietary deficits, dehydration, or a decrease in blood pressure as a result of reduced caloric intake. Dizziness can increase the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Hair loss is a potential long-term side effect of VLCDs. When the body does not receive enough calories and nutrients, it may conserve energy by reducing hair growth. This can lead to thinning hair and increased hair loss. Hair regrowth typically occurs once caloric and nutritional intake returns to normal levels.
It is important to note that VLCDs should only be undertaken under medical supervision due to the potential risks and side effects. A physician can help monitor an individual's health, manage side effects, and ensure that the diet is followed safely and effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
VLCD stands for Very Low-Calorie Diet. It is a diet of 800 kilocalories (3,300 kJ) or less energy intake per day.
A VLCD typically consists of 600-800 calories per day.
VLCDs are effective in short-term weight loss and are considered safe when used under medical supervision. They are often used to help obese patients achieve significant weight loss in a short period as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program.
VLCDs can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, leading to health problems such as hair loss, anemia, and osteoporosis. Other side effects may include headaches, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, low blood sugar, bad breath, diarrhea, dizziness, and a slower metabolism.
