Very Low-Calorie Diet

A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a doctor-supervised diet that typically uses commercially prepared formulas to promote rapid weight loss in patients who are obese. Very low-calorie diets are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the start of a weight-loss program in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. BMI correlates significantly with total body fat content.

It is calculated by dividing a person weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplied by 703.

Use of VLCD in patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical conditions due to overweight, such as high blood pressure. In fact, all candidates for VLCD undergo a thorough examination by their doctor to make sure the diet will not worsen preexisting medical conditions. Lastly, these diets are not appropriate for children or adolescents, except in specialized treatment programs.

The formulas which are prepared are usually liquid shakes or bars and replaces all foods intake for several weeks or months. Very low-calorie diets formulas need to contain appropriate levels of vitamins and micro nutrients to ensure that patients meet their nutritional requirements. Some doctors also prescribe VLCD made up almost entirely of lean protein foods, such as fish and chicken. People on a VLCD consume about 800 calories per day or less.

VLCD formulas are not the same as the meal replacement which you can find at grocery stores or pharmacies, which are meant as substitute for one or two meals a day. Very low-calorie diets may produce significant short-term weight loss in patients who are moderately or extremely obese when used under proper medical supervision.

VLCD should be part of comprehensive weight-loss treatment programs that include behavioral therapy, nutrition counseling, physical activity, and/or drug treatment.

A very low-calorie diet may allow a patient who is moderately to extremely obese to lose about 3 to 5 pounds per week. Such a weight loss can help to improve obesity-related medical conditions. The rapid weight loss experience by most people on VLCD can be very motivating to them to succeed in losing weight. Some patients report minor side effects as constipation, fatigue, nausea or diarrhea but conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevents the patients from continuing with their diet.

Studies show that the long term results of very low-calorie diets vary but regaining weight is common. For most people who are obese their condition is long-term and requires a lifetime commitment and doctors should encourage their patients who are obese to commit to permanent changes of healthier eating, regular physical activity and an improved outlook about food.

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Weight Loss For Teenage Girls – Top 5 Best Diet Tips Ever

Are you hoping to shed some pounds in time for the summer so you can show off your new trim figure? Are you wondering how to keep it off once you have lost it? The information provided in this article; weight loss for teenage girls – top 5 best diet tips ever will enable you to do just that and much more.

If you are overweight and as a result you have lost your self confidence and all your friends – this is for you too. If you will stick with it, you will not only lose the excess pounds but you will gain new friends and a new sense of achievement and self pride.

You will have less anxiety about your appearance and your weight will no longer be ever-present in the back of your mind. You will feel healthier, have more energy and learn to enjoy many new kinds of foods.

Top 5 Best Diet Tips Ever

Set realistic expectations – 3,500 calories is equivalent to one pound of fat. A weight loss rate of 2 pounds average a week is a safe rate ensuring you are only losing fat and not muscle or water. The target and focus should be to consume fewer calories while getting more exercise.

Get enough sleep daily – Adequate sleep will diminish the urge to overeat during the day. Enough sleep will allow your body to burn off unwanted calories. It will slow down the aging process. It will restore, repair and rejuvenate your body.

Exercise regularly – If you haven’t been exercising on a regular basis get together with one of your girlfriends and begin walking. Start by walking for 5 minutes 3 times a week and slowly build it up. Walk slowly enough so you can talk but fast enough so you can’t sing. Develop it into a good exercise program with aerobic exercise, strengthening and toning and flexibility. Choose fun exercises that you enjoy.

Eat a healthy diet – for example layer fruit on the bottom of your ice cream dessert so that you will only take one scoop instead of two and still enjoy it. Eat more fruit, vegetables, lean meat, diary and whole grain foods. Eat less fat and drink less soda. Have weight loss smoothies instead. Don’t go more than 3 – 4 hours without food. Use a 9 inch plate to ensure you have smaller portions.

Weigh yourself regularly – at least once a week. It will help you stay focused and motivated. Depending on what the scales say for any one week you will be able to adjust your food intake and exercise routine accordingly.

Apply this weight loss for teenage girls – top 5 best diet tips ever and you will be happier in a lot of ways.

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