A healthy low-calorie diet helps you take in fewer calories than you burn. Burning more calories than you eat each day is the only way to lose weight. According to a study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health and published in the February 2009 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," healthy low-calorie diet plans, as well as healthy high-protein and low-fat diets, result in an average weight loss of 12 lbs. after six months.
Commercial Weight Loss Programs
Most commercial weight-loss programs feature a 1,000 to 1,500 calorie a day diet that includes access to in-person or virtual weight-loss counseling. These programs commonly offer premade meals or point systems to help you keep track of the calories you eat. When you choose foods that create a balanced diet and adhere to the calorie restrictions, these diets are healthy and successfully produce short-term weight loss. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website recommends not exceeding a rate of weight loss more than 1 to 2 lbs. a week.
Anti-Aging Diet
The anti-aging diet uses a low-calorie diet as a way to prevent age-related diseases. This restricted calorie anti-aging tool has been scientifically proven to work in mice but needs to be tested on humans, according to a study conducted by scientists at the BBSRC Center for Integrated Systems Biology of Ageing and Nutrition at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. This research, presented at the 2010 British Society for Research on Ageing, found the anti-aging diet successful even when adopted later in life. For the anti-aging diet, individuals generally reduce their usual calories by 20 to 30 percent. Any planned significant drop in caloric intake should first be discussed with your health care professional.
Very Low-Calorie Diet
A very low-calorie diet can be a healthy and successful diet when supervised by a doctor. Doctors prescribe this diet for moderately to severely obese patients who require rapid weight loss due to health problems like hypertension and diabetes. This calorie-restricted diet typically includes consuming meal replacement drinks or bars as a significant part of your daily caloric intake. A VLCD is successful in the short term, but not recommended for long-term treatment. Typical weight loss with the VLCD is 15 to 25 percent of your total body weight within three to six months. Anticipate your doctor will combine this diet with behavior therapy and an exercise regimen, as well as regular bi-weekly check-ups.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network: Very Low-Calorie Diets
- Colorado State University Extension: Weight Loss Products and Programs
- Medline Plus: Tips for Losing Weight
- EurekAlert: Insight into Why Low Calorie Diet Can Extend Life Span
- Havard School of Public Health: The Best Diet is the One You'll Follow
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