Leena Watts
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a rapid weight-loss program that severely restricts calories, often to 800 calories or fewer. This type of diet can include liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars, or lean proteins such as fish and chicken. However, VLCDs can be dangerous, as they subject the body to starvation and can lead to adverse side effects such as increased risks of gout and electrolyte imbalances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) |
| Description | A rapid weight-loss program in which calories are severely restricted, often to 800 calories or fewer |
| Food | Liquid protein shakes, meal-replacement bars, lean proteins (e.g. fish and chicken), or limited to one type of food |
| Duration | Several weeks to several months |
| Side effects | Loss of lean muscle mass, increased risk of gout, electrolyte imbalances |
| Tips | Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, drink plenty of water, include high-fibre foods to avoid hunger |
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What You'll Learn
- Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are defined as 800 kcal or fewer per day
- VLCDs can include liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars
- Some VLCDs include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken
- Low-calorie diets can backfire if you rebound with weight gain
- Consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before starting a new diet plan
Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are defined as 800 kcal or fewer per day
VLCDs often involve consuming liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars in place of food for a designated period, which can range from several weeks to several months. Some VLCDs include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, while others limit intake to one type of food (a type of mono diet).
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting a VLCD, especially if you have an underlying health condition. VLCDs can be dangerous and should only be undertaken with medical supervision.
Additionally, a low-calorie diet can backfire if it is not maintained for the long term, leading to weight gain. It is important to eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and drink plenty of water to avoid hunger. Including high-fibre foods at every meal can also help with this.
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VLCDs can include liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a type of diet with very or extremely low daily food energy consumption. VLCDs are defined as a diet of 800 kilocalories (3,300 kJ) per day or less.
Previous formulations of VLCDs provided 200–800 kcal/day and maintained protein intake, but eliminated any carbohydrate intake and sometimes fat intake as well. These diets subject the body to starvation and produce an average weekly weight loss of 1.5–2.5 kilograms (3.3–5.5 lb). However, the total lack of carbohydrates avoids protein sparing and thus produces a loss of lean muscle mass, as well as other adverse side effects such as increased risks of gout, and electrolyte imbalances, and are thus disadvised.
VLCDs are rapid weight-loss programs in which calories are severely restricted. They are also known as semistarvation diets and crash diets. Modern medically supervised VLCDs use total meal replacements. Before starting a VLCD, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
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Some VLCDs include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken
A very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a type of diet that involves very or extremely low daily food energy consumption. VLCDs are defined as a diet of 800 kilocalories (3,300 kJ) per day or less.
VLCDs can be dangerous and should be medically supervised. They subject the body to starvation and can produce a loss of lean muscle mass, as well as other adverse side effects such as increased risks of gout, and electrolyte imbalances.
Before starting a new diet plan, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
Explore related products
Low-calorie diets can backfire if you rebound with weight gain
VLCDs typically involve consuming liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars in place of food for several weeks to several months. Some VLCD plans include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, while others limit intake to one type of food (a type of mono diet). These diets subject the body to starvation and can result in an average weekly weight loss of 1.5–2.5 kilograms (3.3–5.5 lb).
However, the extreme nature of VLCDs means that they are not suitable for everyone and should only be undertaken with medical supervision. Prior to starting a VLCD or any other low-calorie diet, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
Additionally, low-calorie diets can backfire if they are not sustained long-term. If you rebound with weight gain after a period of dieting, it can be challenging to lose the weight again. To avoid this, it is important to make gradual, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle that you can stick to in the long term. This might include eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, and including high-fibre foods at every meal to avoid hunger. Drinking plenty of water can also help, as it keeps your body hydrated without adding extra calories.
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Consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before starting a new diet plan
Before starting a new diet plan, it is important to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition. They can advise on the best course of action for your individual needs and help you avoid any potential adverse side effects. For example, a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) can lead to a loss of lean muscle mass and increased risks of gout and electrolyte imbalances.
VLCDs are defined as a diet of 800 kilocalories (3,300 kJ) or less per day and often involve consuming liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars in place of food for several weeks to several months. Some VLCDs include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, while others limit intake to one type of food (a type of mono diet).
It is important to note that a low-calorie diet can backfire if you are only able to stick to it for a short time, leading to weight gain. To avoid this, it is recommended to eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and drink plenty of water. High-fibre foods can also help you feel fuller for longer and avoid hunger.
Consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian can help you determine if a VLCD is right for you and provide guidance on how to safely and effectively implement this type of diet to avoid excessive amounts of calories. They can also offer support and resources to help you stick to the diet and avoid potential pitfalls.
Frequently asked questions
A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a rapid weight-loss program in which calories are severely restricted, often to 800 calories or fewer.
Very low-calorie diets can subject the body to starvation and produce an average weekly weight loss of 1.5–2.5 kilograms. They can also lead to a loss of lean muscle mass and other adverse side effects such as increased risks of gout and electrolyte imbalances.
People following a very low-calorie diet typically consume liquid protein shakes or meal-replacement bars in place of food for a designated period, ranging from several weeks to several months. Some very low-calorie diet plans include lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, or limit intake to one type of food (a type of mono diet).
A very low-calorie diet can lead to rapid weight loss, but it may also be difficult to stick to for an extended period, potentially leading to weight gain when the diet is stopped. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting a very low-calorie diet, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
To make a low-calorie diet more effective and sustainable, it is important to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, drink plenty of water, and include high-fiber foods at every meal to avoid hunger.
