A Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) is a specialized diet plan designed to promote rapid weight loss by
severely restricting calorie intake. It typically involves consuming significantly fewer calories than the
body needs for daily energy expenditure. While VLCDs are generally effective for short-term weight loss,
they are typically recommended for individuals with obesity or those preparing for weight loss surgery.
The primary goal of a VLCD prepared by Say Fitness professionals is to create a substantial calorie deficit,
which forces the body to utilize stored fat as an energy source, resulting in rapid weight loss. These diets
often provide around 800 calories or less per day, which is considerably lower than the average daily
calorie intake.
VLCDs typically consist of liquid or pre-packaged meal replacements that are carefully formulated to
provide essential nutrients while minimizing caloric intake. These meal replacements are designed to be
nutritionally complete, providing a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to
meet the body's basic nutritional needs.The duration of a VLCD varies depending on individual
circumstances and goals but is generally limited to a few weeks or months due to the low-calorie nature
and potential health risks associated with prolonged extreme calorie restriction.
