The role of a very low calorie diet (VLCD) in the treatment of obesity

Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz

Vol 8, No 4 (2012)

Prace poglądowe

Published online: 2013-02-08

View PDF (Polish)

Download PDF file

Get Citation

The role of a very low calorie diet (VLCD) in the treatment of obesity

Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz

Endokrynol. Otył. Zab. Przem. Mat 2012;8(4):109-113.

Vol 8, No 4 (2012)

Prace poglądowe

Published online: 2013-02-08

Abstract

The basis for the treatment of obesity is a negative energy balance that is achieved by reduced energy intake and increased physical activity. Among the methods used in the dietary treatment of obesity are very low calorie diets (VLCD) supplying 200–800 kcal a day. VLCD in the form of sachets of powder to prepare meals have been developed for the treatment of hospitalized patients. These are high-protein and low-carbohydrate as well as very low-fat diets enriched with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Caloric content and composition of the VLCD cause a development of ketosis state, which suppresses the feeling of hunger. The aim of this paper is to present a role of VLCD in the treatment of obesity, including contraindications for VLCD and use of VLCD products as a component of low energy diet (reduction of daily energy consumption by about 600 calories compared to the estimated energy expenditure of a patient).