|
Tag: Redirect target changed |
| (One intermediate revision by one other user not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| {{Short description|Physician-supervised very low calorie diet for obesity, rapid weight loss, meal replacements, and W8MD medical weight loss}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Very low calorie diet]] |
| [[File:W8md-meal-replacement.png|thumb|right|350px|[[Meal replacements]] may be used in physician-supervised [[very low calorie diet]] programs to provide controlled calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.]]
| |
| [[File:W8md-meal-replacementnts.png|thumb|right|350px|[[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] may use structured 800-calorie meal replacement plans for selected patients under medical supervision.]]
| |
| [[File:W8md-protein-bar.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|Protein bars, shakes, and other meal replacements can help improve portion control and satiety during calorie restriction.]]
| |
| [[File:Weight-loss-success-stories.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|Successful VLCD programs require medical monitoring, transition planning, and long-term [[weight maintenance]].]]
| |
| [[File:W8md weight loss sleep and medspa team.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|W8MD physicians and healthcare providers can supervise [[VLCD]], [[LCD]], [[meal replacements]], medications, and sleep-related weight-loss care.]]
| |
| | |
| {{Infobox medical intervention
| |
| | name = Very low calorie diet
| |
| | synonyms = VLCD, 800-calorie diet, formula diet, total diet replacement, partial meal replacement diet
| |
| | image = [[File:W8md-meal-replacement.png|250px]]
| |
| | caption = VLCD programs often use nutritionally designed meal replacements
| |
| | specialty = [[Obesity medicine]], [[bariatric medicine]], [[nutrition]], [[endocrinology]], [[internal medicine]]
| |
| | uses = [[Obesity]], [[medical weight loss]], [[insulin resistance]], [[prediabetes]], [[type 2 diabetes]], [[metabolic syndrome]], [[fatty liver disease]], [[sleep apnea]]
| |
| | calories = Often about 800 kcal/day; some programs use approximately 400–800 kcal/day or 800–1000 kcal/day depending on protocol
| |
| | supervision = Physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dietitian, trained medical weight-loss team
| |
| | related = [[Low calorie diet]], [[meal replacements]], [[protein shake]], [[ketogenic diet]], [[low-carbohydrate diet]], [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]]
| |
| }}
| |
| | |
| '''Very low calorie diet''' ('''VLCD''') is a medically supervised weight-loss diet that provides a very low number of calories, commonly around 800 calories per day, while supplying high-quality [[protein]], essential [[vitamin]]s, [[mineral]]s, electrolytes, and fluids. VLCD programs are designed to produce rapid weight loss, often more than 2 pounds or 1 kilogram per week over several weeks, usually by replacing all or part of regular meals with nutritionally designed [[meal replacements]] such as shakes, soups, bars, or portion-controlled meals.
| |
| | |
| VLCDs are most often used for selected patients with [[obesity]] or obesity-related medical conditions who need more intensive weight loss than standard diet counseling alone can provide. They should not be confused with unsupervised crash diets, starvation diets, detoxes, or fad diets. A properly designed VLCD is a medical nutrition intervention that requires evaluation, monitoring, transition planning, and long-term maintenance support.
| |
| | |
| '''[[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers''' can help selected patients use VLCD-style 800-calorie meal replacement plans safely as part of physician-supervised [[medical weight loss]]. W8MD may combine VLCD, [[low calorie diet]], [[low-carbohydrate diet]], [[ketogenic diet]] guidance when appropriate, [[meal replacements]], [[protein]] planning, traditional medications such as [[phentermine]] when appropriate, [[GLP-1 weight loss]] medications such as [[semaglutide]] or [[tirzepatide]] when appropriate, and integrated [[sleep medicine]] care for [[sleep apnea]] and other sleep disorders.
| |
| | |
| ==Overview==
| |
| A VLCD is used to create a large but controlled calorie deficit. Because calories are low, the diet must provide adequate protein and essential nutrients to reduce the risk of muscle loss, fatigue, electrolyte problems, nutrient deficiencies, and poor adherence.
| |
| | |
| VLCD programs may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Total meal replacement
| |
| * Partial meal replacement
| |
| * Protein shakes
| |
| * Meal replacement bars
| |
| * Meal replacement soups
| |
| * Low-carbohydrate meals
| |
| * Non-starchy vegetables
| |
| * Hydration plan
| |
| * Electrolyte guidance
| |
| * Vitamin and mineral support
| |
| * Medical monitoring
| |
| * Medication review
| |
| * Transition plan
| |
| * Weight maintenance plan
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Definition==
| |
| A '''very low calorie diet''' is commonly defined as a diet providing approximately 800 calories per day or less, although some modern medical programs use 800–1000 calories per day depending on the patient and clinical protocol. VLCDs are generally used for a limited period, often several weeks to a few months, followed by a structured transition to a sustainable eating plan.
| |
| | |
| A 2021 review described VLCDs as hypocaloric regimens of approximately 400–800 kcal/day that may produce substantial weight loss in a short period, especially in selected adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity.{{cite journal|last1=Juray|first1=S.|title=Remission of Type 2 Diabetes with Very Low-Calorie Diets—A Narrative Review|journal=Nutrients|year=2021|pmc=8234895}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD versus low calorie diet==
| |
| {| class="wikitable"
| |
| ! Feature
| |
| ! Very low calorie diet
| |
| ! Low calorie diet
| |
| |-
| |
| | Typical calories
| |
| | About 800 kcal/day or less in many protocols
| |
| | Often about 1000–1500 kcal/day
| |
| |-
| |
| | Weight-loss speed
| |
| | Faster early weight loss
| |
| | Slower, steadier weight loss
| |
| |-
| |
| | Typical structure
| |
| | Meal replacements or formula products
| |
| | Food-based plan, meal replacements, or mixed plan
| |
| |-
| |
| | Medical supervision
| |
| | Strongly recommended or required
| |
| | Recommended, especially with chronic disease
| |
| |-
| |
| | Duration
| |
| | Short-term intensive phase
| |
| | May be used longer
| |
| |-
| |
| | Best suited for
| |
| | Selected patients with obesity or medical need for rapid weight loss
| |
| | Broader range of patients needing structured weight loss
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| ==How VLCD diets work==
| |
| VLCD diets work mainly by creating a large calorie deficit. When calorie intake is far below daily energy needs, the body uses stored energy, including stored fat, for fuel. In some low-carbohydrate VLCD programs, the body may also produce nutritional [[ketosis]], which can reduce hunger in some people.
| |
| | |
| VLCDs may help by:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Reducing calorie intake
| |
| * Reducing portion size
| |
| * Reducing refined carbohydrate intake
| |
| * Improving insulin sensitivity
| |
| * Reducing liver fat
| |
| * Improving satiety when protein is adequate
| |
| * Producing rapid early weight loss
| |
| * Improving motivation through early results
| |
| * Creating structure for patients overwhelmed by food choices
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Meal replacements==
| |
| [[Meal replacements]] are central to many VLCD programs. They are used because they provide predictable calories and nutrients. A well-designed meal replacement plan helps patients avoid guessing, measuring, and negotiating every meal during the intensive weight-loss phase.
| |
| | |
| Meal replacements may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Protein shakes
| |
| * Meal replacement bars
| |
| * Formula soups
| |
| * Portion-controlled meals
| |
| * High-protein puddings
| |
| * Low-calorie prepared entrees
| |
| * Protein-based snacks
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Why protein matters==
| |
| High-quality protein is important during a VLCD because it helps preserve lean body tissue, supports satiety, and may reduce loss of muscle mass during calorie restriction.
| |
| | |
| Protein may help:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Preserve [[lean body mass]]
| |
| * Support immune function
| |
| * Improve satiety
| |
| * Reduce hunger
| |
| * Support metabolic rate
| |
| * Improve adherence
| |
| * Protect major organs during rapid weight loss
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Health benefits==
| |
| VLCD programs may provide health benefits in selected patients with obesity-related conditions.
| |
| | |
| Potential benefits include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Rapid weight loss
| |
| * Improved [[blood glucose]]
| |
| * Improved [[insulin resistance]]
| |
| * Improved [[prediabetes]]
| |
| * Improved [[type 2 diabetes]] control
| |
| * Lower [[blood pressure]]
| |
| * Lower [[triglycerides]]
| |
| * Reduced [[fatty liver disease]]
| |
| * Improved [[sleep apnea]] severity in some patients
| |
| * Improved mobility
| |
| * Reduced joint pain
| |
| * Improved preparation for bariatric surgery in selected patients
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, also known as DiRECT, used a low-calorie total diet replacement intervention and showed that substantial weight loss could produce remission of type 2 diabetes in many participants. The NHS describes the DiRECT trial as showing that almost half of participants on a low-calorie diet achieved diabetes remission after one year, with higher remission among those who lost 15 kg or more.{{cite web|url=https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/diabetes-remission/|title=NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme|publisher=NHS England|accessdate=June 25, 2026}} A 5-year follow-up of DiRECT reported greater overall weight loss and suggested improved health status with the extended intervention.{{cite journal|last1=Lean|first1=M. E. J.|title=5-year follow-up of the randomised Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) of continued support for weight loss maintenance in the UK: an extension study|journal=The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology|year=2024|pmid=38423026}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD and type 2 diabetes==
| |
| VLCDs can rapidly lower blood glucose in some patients with [[type 2 diabetes]], especially when weight loss reduces liver fat and improves insulin sensitivity. However, diabetes medications may need prompt adjustment to prevent low blood sugar.
| |
| | |
| Patients with diabetes should not start a VLCD without medical supervision, especially if taking:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Insulin
| |
| * Sulfonylureas
| |
| * Meglitinides
| |
| * SGLT2 inhibitors
| |
| * Multiple diabetes medications
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD and insulin resistance==
| |
| VLCDs may improve [[insulin resistance]] by reducing body fat, liver fat, visceral fat, and carbohydrate load. This may be helpful for patients with:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * [[Prediabetes]]
| |
| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
| |
| * [[Metabolic syndrome]]
| |
| * [[PCOS]]
| |
| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
| |
| * [[Acanthosis nigricans]]
| |
| * High triglycerides
| |
| * Abdominal obesity
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD and fatty liver disease==
| |
| [[Fatty liver disease]] is strongly linked to insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. Rapid weight loss and reduced carbohydrate intake may reduce liver fat in many patients. However, patients with advanced liver disease require specialist care and should not start a VLCD without medical guidance.
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD and sleep apnea==
| |
| Weight loss can reduce the severity of [[obstructive sleep apnea]] in some patients. However, sleep apnea often requires direct treatment such as [[CPAP]], [[BiPAP]], or [[APAP]]. W8MD’s integrated weight-loss and sleep medicine model can help patients address both excess weight and sleep-disordered breathing.
| |
| | |
| ==Medical supervision==
| |
| Medical supervision is essential because rapid weight loss can affect blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, gallbladder function, medications, and hydration.
| |
| | |
| Medical supervision may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Medical history review
| |
| * Physical examination
| |
| * Medication review
| |
| * Blood pressure monitoring
| |
| * Weight tracking
| |
| * Waist circumference
| |
| * Laboratory testing when appropriate
| |
| * Electrolyte monitoring when needed
| |
| * Diabetes medication adjustment
| |
| * Blood pressure medication adjustment
| |
| * Hydration guidance
| |
| * Constipation prevention
| |
| * Gallstone risk counseling
| |
| * Transition planning
| |
| * Maintenance planning
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| NIDDK recommends asking whether a weight-loss program provides medical care if a person is planning to use a special formula diet such as a VLCD, and whether the program includes a plan to keep weight off after weight loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program|title=Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program|publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
| |
| | |
| ==Who may use a VLCD==
| |
| A VLCD may be considered for selected adults with:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * [[Obesity]]
| |
| * BMI of 30 or higher
| |
| * BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions
| |
| * [[Prediabetes]]
| |
| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
| |
| * [[Metabolic syndrome]]
| |
| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
| |
| * [[Sleep apnea]]
| |
| * [[Hypertension]]
| |
| * [[Dyslipidemia]]
| |
| * [[PCOS]]
| |
| * Need for preoperative weight loss
| |
| * Prior failure of standard diet plans
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Who should avoid unsupervised VLCD==
| |
| VLCDs are not appropriate for everyone. They should be avoided or used only with specialty supervision in patients with:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Pregnancy
| |
| * Breastfeeding
| |
| * Active eating disorder
| |
| * History of severe eating disorder relapse
| |
| * Children or adolescents unless specialty-supervised
| |
| * Advanced kidney disease
| |
| * Advanced liver disease
| |
| * Unstable heart disease
| |
| * Recent heart attack or stroke
| |
| * Type 1 diabetes unless specialist-supervised
| |
| * Frailty
| |
| * Severe psychiatric instability
| |
| * Gallbladder disease requiring urgent care
| |
| * Complex medication use
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Risks and side effects==
| |
| Possible side effects include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Fatigue
| |
| * Dizziness
| |
| * Headache
| |
| * Constipation
| |
| * Nausea
| |
| * Cold intolerance
| |
| * Hair shedding
| |
| * Bad breath from ketosis
| |
| * Muscle loss if protein is inadequate
| |
| * Dehydration
| |
| * Electrolyte abnormalities
| |
| * Low blood sugar in patients on diabetes medications
| |
| * Low blood pressure in patients on blood pressure medications
| |
| * Gallstones
| |
| * Weight regain without maintenance
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| Rapid weight loss and VLCDs may increase gallstone risk. A study in the ''International Journal of Obesity'' found a higher risk of symptomatic gallstones requiring hospital care or cholecystectomy after a commercial VLCD compared with a low-calorie diet.{{cite journal|last1=Johansson|first1=K.|title=Risk of symptomatic gallstones and cholecystectomy after a very-low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet in a commercial weight loss program|journal=International Journal of Obesity|year=2013|pmc=3921672}}
| |
| | |
| ==Why VLCD is not a fad diet==
| |
| Although VLCDs can be misused, a physician-supervised VLCD is not the same as a fad diet. A medically designed VLCD uses structured nutrition, protein, vitamins, minerals, monitoring, and follow-up.
| |
| | |
| {| class="wikitable"
| |
| ! Physician-supervised VLCD
| |
| ! Crash or fad diet
| |
| |-
| |
| | Medical evaluation before starting
| |
| | No medical evaluation
| |
| |-
| |
| | Protein and nutrient targets
| |
| | Often nutritionally incomplete
| |
| |-
| |
| | Medication review
| |
| | No medication adjustment
| |
| |-
| |
| | Monitoring for side effects
| |
| | No monitoring
| |
| |-
| |
| | Transition plan
| |
| | Abrupt stop
| |
| |-
| |
| | Maintenance plan
| |
| | High regain risk
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| ==Duration==
| |
| VLCDs are usually intended for short-term use, often several weeks to a few months depending on the program and patient. Longer use requires careful medical monitoring. After the intensive phase, calories are gradually increased and whole foods are reintroduced.
| |
| | |
| ==Transition phase==
| |
| The transition phase is critical. Many people regain weight after rapid weight loss if they return to old eating habits. Transition should move the patient from meal replacements to a sustainable, lower-calorie, high-protein, low-glycemic, or low-carbohydrate eating pattern.
| |
| | |
| Transition may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Gradual reintroduction of whole foods
| |
| * Protein-first meals
| |
| * Non-starchy vegetables
| |
| * Controlled carbohydrate reintroduction
| |
| * Reduced sugar and starch intake
| |
| * Continued meal replacements as needed
| |
| * Exercise progression
| |
| * Medication reassessment
| |
| * Sleep optimization
| |
| * Follow-up visits
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Maintenance phase==
| |
| Weight maintenance is the long-term phase after weight loss. It is often more difficult than losing weight.
| |
| | |
| Maintenance may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Regular follow-up
| |
| * Weekly weighing
| |
| * Protein goals
| |
| * Step goals
| |
| * Resistance training
| |
| * Reduced refined carbohydrates
| |
| * Sleep apnea treatment
| |
| * Meal replacement backup plan
| |
| * Medication continuation when appropriate
| |
| * Relapse prevention plan
| |
| * Restart plan after regain
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD and exercise==
| |
| During the most restrictive VLCD phase, exercise should be individualized. Some patients may tolerate walking and light resistance activity, while others need to avoid strenuous exercise until calories increase.
| |
| | |
| Exercise goals may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Preserve muscle
| |
| * Improve insulin sensitivity
| |
| * Support mood
| |
| * Reduce regain
| |
| * Improve sleep
| |
| * Improve cardiovascular health
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD with GLP-1 medications==
| |
| Some patients may use GLP-1 or incretin medications with a structured calorie-restricted plan, but under-eating, dehydration, constipation, nausea, and inadequate protein can become concerns.
| |
| | |
| Medications may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * [[Semaglutide]]
| |
| * [[Wegovy]]
| |
| * [[Ozempic]]
| |
| * [[Tirzepatide]]
| |
| * [[Zepbound]]
| |
| * [[Mounjaro]]
| |
| * [[Liraglutide]]
| |
| * [[Saxenda]]
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| Medical supervision is important to adjust the nutrition plan and reduce side effects.
| |
| | |
| ==VLCD with traditional weight-loss medications==
| |
| Traditional medications may also be used when appropriate, depending on medical history and risk factors.
| |
| | |
| Examples include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * [[Phentermine]]
| |
| * [[Topiramate]]
| |
| * [[Phentermine/topiramate]]
| |
| * [[Qsymia]]
| |
| * [[Naltrexone/bupropion]]
| |
| * [[Contrave]]
| |
| * [[Orlistat]]
| |
| * [[Metformin]]
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==How W8MD can help==
| |
| [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]] Centers can help selected patients use VLCD and meal replacement programs safely and effectively.
| |
| | |
| W8MD may help with:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Physician-supervised [[very low calorie diet]]
| |
| * 800-calorie meal replacement plan
| |
| * 800–1200 calorie medical weight-loss plan
| |
| * [[Low calorie diet]]
| |
| * Partial meal replacement program
| |
| * Protein shake planning
| |
| * Meal replacement bar planning
| |
| * [[Low-carbohydrate diet]] guidance
| |
| * [[Ketogenic diet]] guidance when appropriate
| |
| * [[Insulin resistance]] evaluation
| |
| * [[Prediabetes]] screening
| |
| * [[Type 2 diabetes]] risk reduction
| |
| * [[Fatty liver disease]] risk reduction
| |
| * [[PCOS]] support
| |
| * [[Metabolic syndrome]] treatment
| |
| * [[Sleep apnea]] screening
| |
| * [[Home sleep test]]
| |
| * [[CPAP]] support
| |
| * [[GLP-1 weight loss]] evaluation
| |
| * [[Semaglutide]] options when appropriate
| |
| * [[Tirzepatide]] options when appropriate
| |
| * Traditional medications such as [[phentermine]] when appropriate
| |
| * Long-term [[weight maintenance]]
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==W8MD 800-calorie meal replacement approach==
| |
| W8MD’s 800-calorie plan may be used as an intensive short-term phase for selected patients who need significant weight loss and medical structure. The plan may use partial or total meal replacements, protein shakes, meal replacement bars, low-glycemic foods, hydration support, and provider follow-up.
| |
| | |
| A W8MD-style plan may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=20em}}
| |
| * High-protein meal replacements
| |
| * Controlled calories
| |
| * Low-glycemic nutrition
| |
| * Reduced refined carbohydrates
| |
| * Medical supervision
| |
| * Medication review
| |
| * Sleep apnea screening
| |
| * Transition to whole foods
| |
| * Maintenance follow-up
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Why W8MD’s approach is different==
| |
| W8MD does not treat VLCD as a do-it-yourself crash diet. The program integrates obesity medicine, nutrition, medications, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance.
| |
| | |
| W8MD’s approach may include:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Medical evaluation before starting
| |
| * Customized calorie target
| |
| * Protein and nutrient planning
| |
| * Monitoring for side effects
| |
| * Medication adjustment when needed
| |
| * Diabetes and blood pressure risk review
| |
| * Sleep apnea evaluation
| |
| * Affordable program options
| |
| * Brooklyn and Philadelphia service areas
| |
| * Telemedicine when appropriate
| |
| * Maintenance planning
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Frequently asked questions==
| |
| ===What is a very low calorie diet?===
| |
| A very low calorie diet is a medically supervised diet that usually provides about 800 calories per day or less, often using meal replacements to provide protein, vitamins, and minerals.
| |
| | |
| ===How fast can people lose weight on a VLCD?===
| |
| Many people lose more than 2 pounds per week during the early phase, although results vary by starting weight, adherence, medical conditions, and medications.
| |
| | |
| ===Is a VLCD safe?===
| |
| A VLCD can be safe for selected patients when medically supervised. It should not be done casually or without medical guidance.
| |
| | |
| ===Who should consider a VLCD?===
| |
| A VLCD may be considered for selected adults with obesity or obesity-related medical conditions such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, or metabolic syndrome.
| |
| | |
| ===Can W8MD supervise a VLCD?===
| |
| Yes. W8MD can supervise structured VLCD-style and 800–1200 calorie meal replacement programs for appropriate patients.
| |
| | |
| ===Do VLCD meal replacements preserve muscle?===
| |
| Adequate protein from meal replacements can help preserve lean body tissue, but resistance exercise, medical monitoring, and transition planning are also important.
| |
| | |
| ===Can a VLCD reverse diabetes?===
| |
| In selected patients with type 2 diabetes, substantial weight loss through low-calorie total diet replacement programs has been associated with diabetes remission. Diabetes medication monitoring is essential.
| |
| | |
| ===Can VLCD cause gallstones?===
| |
| Rapid weight loss can increase gallstone risk. Patients should discuss abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or right upper abdominal symptoms with a clinician.
| |
| | |
| ===What happens after the VLCD phase?===
| |
| Patients should transition gradually to a sustainable low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, or whole-food eating plan with ongoing follow-up and maintenance support.
| |
| | |
| ==When to call a doctor==
| |
| Seek medical advice before starting a VLCD if you have:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Diabetes
| |
| * High blood pressure
| |
| * Heart disease
| |
| * Kidney disease
| |
| * Liver disease
| |
| * Gallbladder disease
| |
| * Gout
| |
| * Pregnancy
| |
| * Breastfeeding
| |
| * Eating disorder history
| |
| * Dizziness or fainting
| |
| * Multiple medications
| |
| * Sleep apnea
| |
| * BMI of 30 or higher
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| Seek urgent medical care during a VLCD if you develop:
| |
| | |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * Chest pain
| |
| * Fainting
| |
| * Severe weakness
| |
| * Confusion
| |
| * Severe dehydration
| |
| * Persistent vomiting
| |
| * Severe abdominal pain
| |
| * Yellow skin or eyes
| |
| * Palpitations
| |
| * Symptoms of severe low blood sugar
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==See also==
| |
| {{div col|colwidth=15em}}
| |
| * [[Low calorie diet]]
| |
| * [[LCD diet]]
| |
| * [[Very low calorie ketogenic diet]]
| |
| * [[Meal replacements]]
| |
| * [[Protein shake]]
| |
| * [[Liquid protein diet]]
| |
| * [[Medical weight loss]]
| |
| * [[Weight loss]]
| |
| * [[Obesity]]
| |
| * [[Insulin resistance]]
| |
| * [[Prediabetes]]
| |
| * [[Type 2 diabetes]]
| |
| * [[Fatty liver disease]]
| |
| * [[Metabolic syndrome]]
| |
| * [[Sleep apnea]]
| |
| * [[GLP-1 weight loss]]
| |
| * [[Phentermine]]
| |
| * [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]]
| |
| {{div col end}}
| |
| | |
| ==Further reading==
| |
| * {{cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278991/|title=Dietary Treatment of Obesity|publisher=Endotext, NCBI Bookshelf|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
| |
| * {{cite web|url=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program|title=Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program|publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
| |
| * {{cite journal|last1=Juray|first1=S.|title=Remission of Type 2 Diabetes with Very Low-Calorie Diets—A Narrative Review|journal=Nutrients|year=2021|pmc=8234895}}
| |
| * {{cite web|url=https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/diabetes-remission/|title=NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme|publisher=NHS England|accessdate=June 25, 2026}}
| |
| * {{cite journal|last1=Lean|first1=M. E. J.|title=5-year follow-up of the randomised Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) of continued support for weight loss maintenance in the UK: an extension study|journal=The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology|year=2024|pmid=38423026}}
| |
| * {{cite journal|last1=Johansson|first1=K.|title=Risk of symptomatic gallstones and cholecystectomy after a very-low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet in a commercial weight loss program|journal=International Journal of Obesity|year=2013|pmc=3921672}}
| |
| * {{cite journal|last1=Kim|first1=J. Y.|title=Optimal Diet Strategies for Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance|journal=Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome|year=2020|pmc=8017325}}
| |
| | |
| ==External links==
| |
| * [https://www.w8md.com W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa]
| |
| * [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278991/ Endotext - Dietary Treatment of Obesity]
| |
| * [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/choosing-a-safe-successful-weight-loss-program NIDDK - Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program]
| |
| * [https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/treatment-care/diabetes-remission/ NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme]
| |
| | |
| {{GLP-1}}
| |
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Very Low Calorie Diet}}
| |
| [[Category:Very low calorie diet]]
| |
| [[Category:Low calorie diet]]
| |
| [[Category:Medical weight loss]]
| |
| [[Category:Meal replacements]]
| |
| [[Category:Protein shake]]
| |
| [[Category:Weight loss]]
| |
| [[Category:Obesity]]
| |
| [[Category:Insulin resistance]]
| |
| [[Category:Prediabetes]]
| |
| [[Category:Type 2 diabetes]]
| |
| [[Category:Fatty liver disease]]
| |
| [[Category:Metabolic syndrome]]
| |
| [[Category:Sleep apnea]]
| |
| [[Category:GLP-1 weight loss]]
| |
| [[Category:Phentermine]]
| |
| [[Category:W8MD]]
| |
| [[Category:Diets]]
| |
| [[Category:Fasting]]
| |
| [[Category:Patient education]]
| |
