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Liquid Diets For Losing Weight
Liquid diets are popular because they are convenient to use. Over one
billion dollars is spent annually on liquid diet products. There are two
types of liquid diets. The low calorie liquid diet should be taken only
under strict medical supervision. It provides about 400-800 calories a day,
usually in the form of high protein shake. This diet is for seriously obese
people who NEED to lose a lot of weight in short order. The meal replacement
liquid diet replaces one or two whole meals with liquids. This type of
liquid diet is for people who WANT to lose weight. All dieters should
consult with a physician before starting a liquid diet.
How Liquid Diets Work
On the plus side, low calorie liquid diets cause the body to burn fat and
lose 3-4 pounds a week. Successful liquid diet programs include:
1) a fasting period of 420-800 calories a day for 12 weeks
2) supervised eating
of sensible meals
3) eating sensibly on one’s own.
It includes an
exercise program of 30 minutes per day, six days a week. Support groups help
dieters by promoting long-term dietary change, exercise, and behavioral
modification. The problem with all diets is not losing weight but keeping it
off. Nearly 95% of people who diet stop dieting, go back to their
old eating
habits and regain weight. This is known as the yo-yo effect.
People on medically supervised liquid diets see results after a few weeks of
dieting. Their electrocardiograms and blood tests showed a reduction in
their blood lipids, blood sugars, and blood pressure. Adherence to liquid
diets is reinforced by having their weight checked by a physician or other
health care provider on a regular basis. Well disciplined people generally
lose weight because they are highly motivated. The more obese the person is
the more weight is lost.
Harmful Consequences
People who are only mildly obese lose too much
lean body mass which
increases their chance of developing cardiac problems. Liquid protein diets
have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Diabetics are at risk on
unsupervised liquid diets because their blood sugar levels may fluctuate
dramatically. Individuals with cardiac problems or high blood pressure
should avoid liquid diets as most contain 500 mg of
sodium per day.
There are numerous liquid diet products out there and most are touted as the
best available. These claims are rarely backed by scientific evidence.
Advertising companies do not provide information concerning the dieter
dropout rate, the regaining of weight, and the risks associated with the
liquid diet program. They do not tell you, for instance, that liquid diets
provide only 36% of the recommended daily amount of fiber, only 18 of 23
amino acids, and sometimes lack the vitamins and minerals required for good
health. Without these, the body is more susceptible to disease and
infection. Eventually, liquid diets can lead to muscle cramps, anemia,
dizziness, menstrual abnormality, and constipation.
Two Proven Choices
Ultra Slim Fast and Optifast, have been the subjects of scientific research.
Both were effective in initial weight loss. They are widely available and
inexpensive. A program of Ultra Slim Fast for two meals and one low-fat meal
daily was proven to be safe and effective for 12 weeks. It took off
unnecessary pounds in fairly or moderately obese patients. Ultra Slim Fast
is not safe when consumers drink only one shake per day for 24 weeks.
Optifast was also proven to be safe and effective. In a study conducted by
Michael Walsh, MD and Thomas Flunn, MD, patients consumed Optifast for 12
weeks, had food for 6 weeks, and then ate
1200 to 1400 calories a day. The
patients attended a weekly support meeting where behavioral modification,
nutrition, and exercise was taught. The average weight loss for men was 27.2
kg and 19.3 kg for women. Over time, the patients gained weight back.
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