Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)

A very low-calorie diet, or VLCD, provides fewer than 800 calories a day, usually as meal-replacement shakes, and can produce rapid early weight loss. Because it is so restrictive, it must be done under medical supervision to stay safe and get enough nutrients. It is used for a limited time, not as a permanent way of eating.

A VLCD is a nutritionally complete dietary regimen providing 400 to 800 kcal per day, typically via formulated meal replacements, used to induce rapid weight loss in medically appropriate patients. It requires medical supervision and often micronutrient supplementation; contraindications include pregnancy, eating disorders and certain medical conditions. VLCDs are effective for short-term weight loss, but maintenance requires a structured transition back to conventional eating.

For patients needing rapid, clinically significant weight loss, such as before surgery or to improve metabolic health, a supervised VLCD can be very effective. Dr Joseph Wang determines who is suitable and monitors safety throughout.