What is a VLCD

VLCD stands for "Very Low Calorie Diet".

Very low calorie diets (also known as VLEDs or Very Low Energy Diets) have been shown to be very effective in the management of obesity, with weekly weight losses averaging approximately 1-2.5kg per week, providing greater initial weight loss than other forms of calorie restriction.

A VLCD is a low carbohydrate, total food replacement for the dietary management of obesity. It is a nutritionally complete program providing 800 calories or less per day. It also contains the recommended daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and protein.

Reducing energy (calorie) intake to less than 800 calories as well as reducing carbohydrate intake leads to a whole body shift towards fat/lipid stores being utilised as the major source of energy, therefore resulting in a consistent and successful weight loss.

Treatment with VLCDs has also been associated with improvements in:

• insulin sensitivity
• blood pressure
• triglycerides
• sleep apnoea
• blood sugar levels in adults

The OPTIFAST VLCD Program Intensive level is followed for a period of up to 12 weeks; this is then followed by a gradual re-introduction of food through the next three levels of the program. This will not only teach your patients how to lose weight, it will also teach then how to make sustainable lifestyle changes that will help keep the weight off long term.

What is the expected rate of weight loss on the OPTIFAST VLCD Program?