The Pros and Cons of a VLCD Meal Plan

VLCD meal plans are all the rage; many choose it as their go-to diet to lose weight and reach their fitness goals quickly. Despite this, diets aren’t a one-size-fits-all program, and a VLCD weight loss plan may not be the right fit for you. With that in mind, let’s first learn what a VLCD consists of to see if it’s the right solution for your weight loss goals. 

What is a very low-calorie diet? 

A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is exactly what it sounds like - a diet where you consume fewer calories than usual to trigger weight loss. While typical low-calorie diets put your daily calorie cap within the 800 to 1,500 calorie mark, VLCD meal plans usually require you to consume 800 calories or less daily. From there, a calorie deficit occurs where you’re consuming fewer calories than you burn, which means you’re burning all the calories and the extra weight. 

What are the benefits of VLCD? 

The most apparent benefit of VLCDs is rapid weight loss. Studies have shown that VLCDs can also result in type 2 diabetes remission, as well as in the normalisation of fatty liver content. Furthermore, if you’re considered overweight or obese medically, VLCDs are safe so long as you have the guidance of a health expert with you. For obese individuals, a VLCD weight loss program can also lead to a weight loss of around 44 pounds (approximately 20 kilos) over 12 weeks. However this is dependent on your unique body and circumstances. VLCD shakes contain unique formulations to help promote weight loss. Our best-tasting VLCD shakes at IsoWhey are formulated with 24 vitamins and minerals to help you meet your nutritional requirements while losing weight. They also contain 2.5g of VERISOL Collagen to help boost the appearance of your skin, as losing weight can often result in sagging skin if lost quickly and in excess. 

Another great benefit of our VLCD shakes is their flexibility. During the first level (rapid phase), you can have a shake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no snacks except for a cup of low-starch vegetables and one tablespoon of olive oil in the morning. Afterwards, you can go through the second (kick-start phase) and third levels (balanced), slowly reducing your shake intake and adding low-calorie snacks and meals. 

Our VLCD program has done wonders in improving the health of our clients and helping them reach their weight loss goals. One client of ours is renowned Australian gold medalist Alicia Coutts. Her health journey is inspiring, and by integrating IsoWhey’s VLCD shakes into her everyday life, she’s been able to regain her confidence and experience healthy weight loss at her own pace. 

What are the disadvantages of a VLCD? 

Even with the benefits of a VLCD, it can cause potential drawbacks if a health expert is not guiding you throughout your journey. Common side effects and disadvantages of VLCDs include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and hair loss. You may also develop gallstones as a result of your liver producing more cholesterol combined with bile. To prevent this, consult your doctor on how to follow this diet while avoiding these side effects. 

Another drawback of a VLCD is that it’s not meant for long-term sustenance. After you’ve reached your goal through rapid weight loss, you’ll have to transition into a more sustainable maintenance plan that combines diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Fortunately, our VLCD program allows you to eventually transition to a more balanced diet with less calorie restriction. 

Is a VLCD right for me? 

Ultimately, whether a VLCD is right for you will depend solely on your health needs and the assessment of your health provider. While a VLCD has various benefits, it’s not for everyone, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women or teenagers who aren’t in special programs. We encourage you to consult your doctor beforehand to know if a VLCD program is the right path for your weight loss regimen.  For more information about VLCD shakes and the VLCD program, check out our website at IsoWhey. You can also check out our other products and collections to find the right shake product for your health needs and goals.