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Diet and Nutrition

VLCD?

11/17/2009

Question:

Is a VLCD safe for a woman in her mid 50`s? I did this once before about 19 years ago. I was on a hospital-supervised VLCD for 13 weeks which in those days was only 400 calories/day. I also had the behavior modification and the nutrition classes, 45 minutes/day at the gym 5 days/wk, etc., etc., the whole 9 yards, and I only lost 35 lbs. the most scarey thing was, I regained 90 lbs (after only losing 35 lbs) within a year. It was like my metabolism was completely destroyed. I started regaining weight when I got "up" to eating 800 cal per day during the "refeeding" portion of the program and didn`t stop until after I`d gained 90 lbs.

Now my dr wants me to try it again, either that or weight loss surgery. I am too afraid of the possible complications to have the surgery. I looked at the VLCD plan and now they give you 2x as many calories, 800 per day. I was wondering if I`d even lose weight on that, given that I was GAINING weight when I got UP to 800 cal/day last time I did a VLCD.

Also I am concerned because I have read some things that say that deliberate weight loss in people over 50 is associated with a HIGHER mortality rate than if they just stayed at the same, higher, weight.

I weigh 250 lbs.

Thanks for any information.

Answer:

Thanks for your question.  Your health and metabolism were much different ~20 years ago than they are today and I don't believe this diet would be safe or beneficial for you in the long run.  Clearly, it was not a healthy method for weight loss then either as you regained all of the weight back and then some.  In addition to dysregulation in metabolism, this type of diet also puts you at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, muscle loss and gallbladder disease.

Many women your age experience a drop in metabolism that goes along with menopause.  The best way to combat any further weight gain is through regular exercise and a healthy diet.  I suggest you have your thyroid function checked as this can impact metabolism and risk for weight gain.

Rather than looking for a quick fix, I suggest you find a registered dietitian in your area to help you with safe, healthy meal planning for long term weight loss.  You can click on the link below to find one through the American Dietetic Association.

Best of luck to you!

Related Resources:

American Dietetic Association

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Go to the Diet and Nutrition health topic, where you can:

Response by:

University of Cincinnati Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
Adjunct Faculty
University of Cincinnati
Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD