The Pros And Cons of Very Low Calorie Diet [VLCD]

As the name suggests, very low calorie diet is a food plan comprising of low calorie food ingredients. Precisely, this diet allows a person to consume maximum 800 calorie per day.

This kind of diet plan should be monitored by a professional doctor; otherwise, commercially prepared formulas used in low cal diet food charts may harm immunity system of a person if not taken under medical supervision.

The use of shakes and bars as a replacement for general foods is commonly observed in this diet plan. This intake of foods is allowed for several weeks to reduce calories intake and in maintaining proper figure.

A few details of very low calorie diet are discussed here.

Calorie intake restriction is the main motive of VLCD diet; hence it is always wise not to compromise on the nutrients quality while following this type of diet plan. While someone maintains VLCD diet, he/she should strictly follow all the nutrition related instructions to maintain the internal strength of his her body.

Very low calories diet is used basically for medical purpose against obese people in order to lose some weights; in fact VLCD Diets are meant for productive results on short-term weight loss programs. This type of diet targets obese people having BMI higher than 30, however, obese people with problems like high blood pressure, thyroid should never go for this kind of crash diet plan.

There are certain factors of precaution involved with the use of VLCD diet. Before going to be introduced with this diet the users are requested to go through a routine health check up to examine whether their physical conditions are compatible for this diet or not. Additionally, the check up also proves whether the VLCD diet would have any adverse effect on the users’ health systems. Children, teenagers are not allowed to go for this diet; mostly senior citizens are also excluded from the user list of VLCD diet.

VLCD diet is extremely helpful for controlling obesity related diseases like control of hypertension, diabetes type -2, and high cholesterol problems. The quick response of the diet plan also inspires the obese people to stick to this diet plan. Due to lesser calorie intake this diet plan often initiates low energy level, lethargy, constipation, or diarrhea etc. Those who have high count of cholesterol may suffer from gallstone problem while following VLCD diet.