
The protein-sparing modified fast diet, also known as the PSMF diet, is a short-term, very low-calorie diet designed to help people lose a lot of weight quickly. The diet involves eating high amounts of protein and low amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and fats. The goal of the diet is to preserve muscle mass while losing body fat. The PSMF diet is typically recommended by doctors for obese patients and should be followed under medical supervision due to its restrictive nature and potential health risks.
Protein-Sparing Modified Fast Diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | Lose weight quickly |
| Diet Type | Very low-calorie diet |
| Calories | <800 kcal per day |
| Duration | 4-6 months |
| Phases | Intensive and Refeeding |
| Intensive Phase | Involves limiting calorie intake to less than 800 calories daily |
| Refeeding Phase | Gradually adds back foods into the diet |
| Weight Loss | 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) per week |
| Risk | Nutritional deficiencies, weight regain, gout |
| Safety | Should be followed under the supervision of a doctor or a registered dietitian |
| Food | High-protein foods like chicken, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and seafood |
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What You'll Learn

The PSMF diet is a short-term, very low-calorie diet
During the intensive phase of the PSMF diet, which can last up to six months, calorie intake is limited to less than 800 calories per day, with most of the calories coming from lean protein sources. The recommended amount of protein is 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of goal body weight per day. Carbohydrates are restricted to around 20 grams or less per day, all of which come from vegetables. Added fats, such as oils, dressings, and spreads, are not included in the diet.
The second phase of the PSMF diet is the refeeding phase, during which carbohydrates and fats are gradually added back into the diet over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. In the first four weeks, carbohydrate intake can be increased to up to 45 grams per day, and in the second four weeks, it can be increased to up to 90 grams per day. It is important to note that the PSMF diet may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies and weight regain in the long run. Therefore, it is recommended to follow this diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
The PSMF diet is typically recommended for people who are obese and should be followed under the care of a doctor or a registered dietitian. It is important to note that this diet may not be suitable for everyone, and individual long-term goals should be considered. Additionally, the PSMF diet may increase the risk of gout and should be approached with caution by those with a history of kidney problems.
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It involves eating high-protein foods
The protein-sparing modified fast diet, also known as the PSMF diet, is a short-term diet to lose a large amount of weight quickly. It is a very low-calorie diet, with a daily intake of fewer than 800 calories. The diet involves eating high-protein foods, such as chicken and other poultry, lean meats, fish, and other seafood. It is important to note that this diet should only be attempted under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.
During the PSMF diet, the body reaches a state of ketosis, where it releases ketones for fuel. Ketones are an energy source created from fat instead of carbohydrates. While this diet can be effective for weight loss, it is important to be aware of potential risks, such as an excess of ketones in the bloodstream, which can cause kidney problems. Therefore, staying hydrated and keeping up with lab tests are crucial.
The PSMF diet typically includes high-protein foods like chicken, turkey, duck, beef, pork, lamb, and fish. It also incorporates egg whites, low-fat dairy products like cottage cheese and skim milk, and plant-based proteins like tofu. Additionally, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and grains are included in moderation.
The diet is divided into two main phases: the intensive phase and the refeeding phase. The intensive phase can last up to 6 months and involves severely restricting calories, carbohydrates, and fats. During this phase, individuals aim to consume 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of their goal body weight per day. This is based on their ideal body weight rather than their current weight.
In the refeeding phase, carbohydrates and fats are gradually reintroduced, while protein intake is reduced. This phase typically lasts for 6 to 8 weeks, with a slow increase in carbohydrates and fats to prevent shocking the body. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate duration and adjustments for each phase.
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It is designed to help people lose weight quickly
The protein-sparing modified fast diet, also called the PSMF diet, is a short-term diet designed to help people lose a large amount of weight quickly. Doctors most often recommend the protein-sparing diet to people who are obese. The purpose of the diet is to help people lose body fat, not muscle. In one study, obese people lost an average of 31 pounds of body fat over just 6 weeks, while maintaining their muscle mass.
The PSMF diet is a very low-calorie diet, with fewer than 800 calories per day. It involves consuming high amounts of protein and low amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and fats. The diet is divided into two main phases: the intensive phase and the refeeding phase. The intensive phase can last up to 6 months and involves limiting calorie intake to less than 800 calories daily, with most of the calories coming from lean protein foods, like chicken, egg whites, tofu, or fish. In this phase, you will eat fewer than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, all of which come from vegetables. You will eat 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight in protein. This figure is based on your ideal body weight, not your current one. You will only eat lean proteins that have less than 3 grams of fat per ounce. You will not add any fats like butter or oil to your food.
The refeeding phase of the diet includes more carbohydrates and fats, and gradually reduces protein. After the first phase, you will slowly introduce carbohydrates back into your diet over the course of 6 to 8 weeks. In the first 4 weeks, you can eat up to 45 grams of carbohydrates. For the second 4 weeks, you can eat up to 90 grams. During this phase, the body will reach a state of ketosis and release ketones for fuel. Ketones are the energy source your body creates from fat instead of making glucose from carbohydrates.
The PSMF diet has a better chance of success if your doctor gives you resources for PSMF meals and recipes, along with PSMF diet plan examples. Your doctor should also provide ideas for behavior modification since the protein-sparing modified fast diet will be a big change from your usual eating habits. They may suggest consulting a mental health professional to further help with changing behaviors on a long-term basis. Most experts recommend incorporating daily exercise into this program.
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It is meant to be followed under medical supervision
The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet is a short-term, doctor-recommended diet for people who are obese. It is meant to be followed under medical supervision. This is because the diet is highly restrictive and can be dangerous if not done properly. It involves consuming a very low amount of calories and carbohydrates and a high amount of protein to promote rapid weight loss.
During the intensive phase of the PSMF diet, which can last up to six months, calorie intake is limited to less than 800 per day, with most calories coming from lean protein foods. Carbohydrates are restricted to less than 20 grams per day, all of which come from vegetables. Added fats like oils and salad dressings are not allowed.
The refeeding phase of the PSMF diet, which lasts for six to eight weeks, involves slowly introducing carbohydrates back into the diet. During the first four weeks, up to 45 grams of carbohydrates can be consumed, and during the second four weeks, up to 90 grams. It is important to have a doctor or registered dietitian monitor this process to ensure a safe and gradual transition.
The PSMF diet can be challenging to follow due to its restrictive nature, and it may require behaviour modification support. It is also important to note that this diet may not be effective for long-term weight loss. Studies have shown that people who received extra counselling during the refeeding phase were more likely to maintain their weight loss. Therefore, it is crucial to have medical supervision and follow-up care to increase the chances of maintaining weight loss and preventing health complications.
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It is divided into two phases: intensive and refeeding
The protein-sparing modified fast diet, also called the PSMF diet, is a short-term diet to lose a large amount of weight quickly. It is a very low-calorie diet with a high proportion of protein calories and a simultaneous restriction of carbohydrates and fats. It is divided into two phases: intensive and refeeding.
Intensive Phase
The intensive phase can last up to 6 months and involves limiting calorie intake to less than 800 calories daily. During this phase, you will eat fewer than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, all of which come from vegetables. You will eat 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight in protein, based on your ideal body weight, not your current one. This will mostly come from lean protein foods, like chicken, egg whites, tofu, or fish. You will only eat lean proteins that have less than 3 grams of fat per ounce. You will not add any fats like butter or oil to your food. You should drink at least a half-gallon of liquid each day.
Refeeding Phase
The refeeding phase of the PSMF diet includes more carbohydrates and fats, and protein is gradually reduced. After the first phase, you will slowly introduce carbohydrates back into your diet over the course of 6 to 8 weeks. In the first 4 weeks, you can eat up to 45 grams of carbohydrates. For the second 4 weeks, you can eat up to 90 grams. Foods are gradually added back into the diet.
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Frequently asked questions
A protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet is a very-low-calorie diet with a high proportion of protein calories and simultaneous restriction of carbohydrates and fats. It is designed to help people lose weight quickly while maintaining muscle mass.
The PSMF diet includes high-protein foods like chicken, other poultry, lean meats, fish, seafood, eggs, and egg whites. It also includes low-fat dairy, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and grains. Carbohydrates are restricted to around 20 grams or less per day, which can come from vegetables.
The PSMF diet is typically recommended for people who are obese and need to lose a large amount of weight quickly. It should only be followed for a short period, usually up to six months, under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.


























