Tips For Losing Weight: Drawbacks Of Eating A Very Low-Calorie Diet

A Very-Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) is a diet plan that drastically limits daily calorie intake, usually to no more than 800 calories. These diets are frequently used as a short-term, medically supervised intervention or to help obese people lose weight quickly.

Although VLCDs can result in noticeable weight loss in a short period of time, there are hazards associated with them, therefore use should be closely managed. A Very-Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) can have a number of drawbacks and detrimental effects on health.

The following ten possible disadvantages of an extremely low-calorie diet are listed:

1. Inadequate Nutrition

Protein, vitamins, and minerals are among the vital components that VLCDs frequently lack and are critical to general health and wellbeing. Long-term deficiencies can result in a number of health problems.

2. Loss of Muscle

Reduction of muscle mass can accompany rapid weight reduction with VLCDs, which can lower metabolic rate and make it more difficult to maintain weight loss over the long run.

3. Reduced Metabolism

Restricting calories too much can lead to metabolic adaptation, which makes weight reduction harder as the body slows down metabolism to conserve energy in response to reduced calorie intake.

4. Weakness and Exhaustion

Due to insufficient calorie intake, VLCDs can cause low energy, weariness, weakness, and dizziness, all of which can negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life.

5. Gallstones

Quick weight loss, especially due to VLCDs, raises the possibility of gallstones, which can be uncomfortable and necessitate medical attention.

6. Imbalances In Hormones

Calorie restriction taken too far can upset the balance of thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol, among other hormones, and have a detrimental effect on metabolism, energy levels, and general health.

7. Problems With Nutrient Uptake

Even when enough nutrients are taken, VLCDs might hinder the body’s capacity to absorb them efficiently, resulting in deficits that exacerbate existing health issues.

8. Loss of Bone Density

Over time, low calorie intake—particularly from protein—can cause bone loss and raise the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

9. Adverse Psychological Consequences

VLCDs can affect mental health by causing poor energy, hunger, and restricted food choices, which can lead to mood swings, anger, melancholy, and anxiety.

10. Possibility of Overindulging and Gaining Weight

Severe calorie restriction can set off strong desires, which can then result in episodes of binge eating, which are then followed by emotions of shame and guilt. Furthermore, weight gain is frequently experienced after stopping a diet because of metabolic alterations and unsustainable eating habits.