
Very low calorie diets (VLCD's) are defined as diets that range from 300 to 800 calories per day intake. These calories are usually consumed in the form of food replacement products that are widely available and commercially are called "liquid protein." Long term studies of the use of VLCD's have shown consistent results; patients on VLCD programs regain most or all of the weight lost in the months following the VLCD regime. In fact, one of the most remarkable features of VLCD's is the speed of weight regain following treatment (Garner & Wooley, 1991).
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (1994) published a policy paper on VLCD's in which it was strongly stated that VLCD's should only be prescribed and supervised by specially trained physicians. The College was clear in its position that VLCD's should only be used on morbidly obese patients (over 300 pounds) and that the prolonged use of VLCD's is dangerous and potentially lethal. Despite this, VLCD's are widely advertised using prominent actors or models who clearly give the impression that liquid diets are easy, successful and safe for any amount of desired weight loss.
http://www.beyonddieting.com/thesis3.html#vlcd|
Initial Visit $149* |
Weekly Follow Up Meetings $40-$49 |
|
· Health History Evaluation · Lifestyle Evaluation · Your Goals · Body Weight · Waist and Hip Measurement · Body Composition Testing · Fitness Testing · Blood Pressure · Set Initial Goals · Lifestyle Journal · Before Picture · 1.5 hour meeting with Weight Loss Specialist |
· 30 minute individual meeting · Weight check in · Education about food, exercise and health · New weekly goal Every Four Weeks · Measurement of Blood Pressure · Waist and Hip Measurement · Body Composition Testing · Adjust goals as needed Every Three Months · New Picture · Fitness Testing |
|
|
Get
Real Lifestyle Program |
Medically
Supervised Plan |
Liposuction |
Gastric
Bypass & LapBand |
|
Initial Visit |
$149 |
$195-$265 |
50% deposit |
Possible deposit and/or required classes 50% or more down |
|
Weekly Fees |
$40-$49* |
$60-$75 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Pros |
Real Weight Loss Safe healthy fat loss Lose 50-100lbs per year Improved Overall health Better skin elasticity No special foods or supplements No injections Private weekly 30 minute session |
Rapid Weight Loss Doctor available by request Medication Seems Quick & Easy |
Quick Fix Spot Reduction Possible Improved health |
Initial Rapid weight loss Quick Fix Possible improved health |
|
Cons |
Not a quick fix No medication Weekly Commitment |
Stress to all organs in the body Restrictive Muscle Loss Cost of supplements, injections and pills High percentage gain all the weight back |
Only fixes one spot temporarily High risk Loss time from work Will not improve all areas of health Possibly poor results Will gain weight back if not living balanced lifestyle |
Restricted foods for life High risk Expensive supplements and drinks Stress to body Muscle loss Most need skin surgery following Will gain weight back if not living balanced lifestyle |
|
Total
Cost for the Year |
$2149-$2599 |
$3195- $5000 |
$2000-$10000 |
$17,000-$50000 |