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Meal replacements
Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) Other approaches
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Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs)

These are the most restrictive form of dieting where the total calorie intake is severely reduced (below 800kcal), and are not recommended unless under medical guidance.

Typical features of VLCDs:

• These are formula slimming foods designed to replace all meals. As a 'sole source' of nutrition, they provide a total daily calorie intake of between 400-799kcals and are nutritionally adequate
• At least 2 ¼ Litres of water (4 pints) must be taken in addition to the formula foods to avoid dehydration
• The product range consists of drinks, soups, desserts and bars
• Organisations such as The Cambridge Health and Weight Plan offer a range of weight loss programmes.
• The programmes are provided with written information which gives detailed instructions about which foods to include on different plan options and recipe ideas
• Customers are offered support from specially-trained counsellors throughout all stages of weight care and weight maintenance

Important considerations

• The 'sole source' should only be followed under medical and dietetic supervision.
• Side effects such as headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and dizziness can occur, usually as a result of not drinking enough water
• May be helpful in obese individuals where other approaches have not worked, and when immediate weight loss is needed for medical reasons i.e. before an operation
• To follow the VLCD approach, individuals need to be highly motivated and need lots of professional support
• Unless help is given with making longer-term lifestyle changes, this approach may result in rapid weight regain
• To ensure nutritional adequacy, people using this approach should only use branded products, rather than their own 'home made' drinks

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