Considering VLCD Side Effects: Things To Check Before Starting A Weight Loss Program

The immediate need for weight loss: obesity

Obesity has fast become one of the most serious and life-threatening conditions affecting several populations across the globe today. Obese individuals are very overweight and have a high degree of body fat; this condition puts a person at risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Similarly, while overweight (but not necessarily obese) people have a lower health risk, they can still experience a number of negative effects to their physical wellbeing, social relationships, and personal development, preventing them from living a full, well-rounded life.

 Taking steps to help yourself

Of course, there are a number of ways to remedy this situation, the most conventional of which is to start eating healthier, get a substantial amount of exercise per day, and observe a more balanced lifestyle. While this is known to produce lasting results, weight loss can take place gradually over a long period of time. If people have a lot of weight to lose or if they have mobility problems and can not exercise, the results are slow and they can feel overwhelmed and often give up.  Some people also have strong addictions and bad habits that they find incredibly hard to break.  For people that struggle to lose weight with a conventional diet and exercise plan a good alternative can be diet programs that introduce faster fat burning effects, such as the Very Low Calorie Dieting (VLCD) plan. However, like with any weight loss regimen, it is important to get the consent of your doctor before starting and be aware of the possible VLCD side effects so that you can manage these appropriately.

Very Low Calorie Diets for Ketosis

VLCD plans are to be used for a short period of time, it is recommended that a person follows a very low calorie diet for no more than 12 weeks without a break. The plan allows you to consume specially formulated meal packages in place of normal food intake—no other foods are allowed throughout the duration of the plan. You can choose any medical grade food product provided with the plan as long as you stick to the recommended 800 calories or less per day. The replacement meals are designed to stimulate ketosis—a rapid fat burning state that encourages the body to use fat as its main source of fuel instead of sugar. The result is rapid weight loss without feelings of hunger or reduced levels of energy.

Side effects on your body

The significant change in calorie intake will have certain effects on the human body; some of the more common possible side effects of such dieting regimens include minor sensations such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. These conditions are often the body’s reaction to the diet and are expected to improve within a few days into the program.  Most of these VLCD side effects can be treated with pain killers, laxatives, rest and drinking 3-4 litres throughout the day.  Most people find that by week 2 they are feeling much better and experience higher levels of energy and a general feeling of wellbeing.

Get professional advice before starting a weight loss progamme

Before you commit to a VLCD program, it is highly recommended to evaluate your current health and seek weight management advice from a professional. Having professional supervision while undergoing intensive weight loss regimens is also highly encouraged to ensure continued health and safety at all times. Before you sign up for VLCD plans, it’s best to check that you have a body mass index over 25, your blood pressure is stable, your physician has checked for medical contraindications, and you commit to getting a check-up every 28 days to assess your progress and resulting state of health. Once cleared, you can begin taking steps towards achieving a healthy goal weight and making lasting lifestyle changes.