VLCD-Very Low Calorie Diet
Something wonderful for overly obese people but something harmful for people who are not suitable for it…
Ever heard of liquid diets?
A liquid based diet that is severely restrictive in energy with an intake of about 800 calories or less per day is considered a very low calorie diet.
What are the benefits?
First, you can lose a lot of weight Second, its almost like a treatment!!! – it helps improve obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Sounds like a miracle right? Sadly, it cannot work on teenage girls who are overly conscious of their body and think they are fat when they are really not. In fact, it can become VERY HARMFUL!!!!!
First, there is electrolyte and water loss – so if you do it during OBS – you may very well die after hiking… Second, can you believe it??? You are not only losing your fat but also your bones – there is calcium depletion where bone mass is lost. This will increase the risk of osteoporosis!
Third, it can be really harmful to you if you are a) a child, b) an adolescent c) a pregnant woman and d) someone over 50 years’ old! Actually, according to some people, VLCD does not even induce permanent weight loss, it’s just temporary. The thing is that teenagers have been copying the adults’ use of VLCD. And they are doing it without a doctor’s supervision. Teenagers using VLCD includes the risk of impairing the child’s growth and this has actually resulted in 60 deaths!!
!Please help spread the word about VLCD and its harmful effects. Exercise is the way to go… Links:http://www.springerlink.com/content/acqtt87jhp61nx2y/fulltext.pdf
