If you're looking to drop a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, the Phen-Lo Diet may seem to be an effective weight-loss plan. The Phen-Lo Diet, which involves eating 400 calories a day and taking the diet pill phentermine, may help you shed pounds, but according to MayoClinic.com, it may be dangerous. Consult a doctor before trying the Phen-Lo Diet.
History
The Phen-Lo Diet was created by Iowa physician Dr. Henry Snead. Dr. Snead was given his medical license in the state of Iowa in 1981, according to reporter Amie Steffen in the article "400-Calorie Diet Trims Waistlines, Raises Eyebrows" in the "WCF Courier." The Phen-Lo Diet garnered the attention of several local Iowa newspapers and as of 2009, Dr. Snead reported to "The Globe Gazette" that approximately 300 people in northern Iowa were following the program under his supervision.
Significance
The Phen-Lo diet involves consuming 400 calories per day for the first few months on the diet, reports Angstman. Then, patients add 100 or 200 calories per day onto the daily diet every week. Female patients work their way up to approximately 1,500 calories per day, while male patients work their way up to approximately 1,800 calories per day. In addition to the restricted calorie diet, patients take phentermine, a prescription diet pill.
Meal Plan
Phen-Lo Diet participants eat a variety of low-calorie foods while following the diet, including low-calorie bread, lean meat, yogurt and vegetable soup. According to Steffen, an example of a 400-calorie meal is two slices of bread, a slice of lean turkey and a glass of skim milk.
Expert Insight
According to Mayo Clinic preventative medicine specialist Donald Hensrud, M.D. in the article "Is Phentermine a Good Option for Weight Loss?" on MayoClinic.com, phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant that is approved for use for 12 weeks or less. Angstman notes that the Phen-Lo Diet may recommend using phentermine for longer than three months, in some cases.
Warning
Follow the Phen-Lo diet only under the strict supervision of a doctor. Common side effects of phentermine include blurry vision, sleeplessness, nervousness, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth and increased blood pressure. Do not take phentermine if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, high blood pressure or glaucoma, notes Dr. Hensrud. The American Heart Association recommends eating a balanced diet of a variety of different nutritious foods, which is not possible when minimizing your calorie intake to only 400 calories per day.
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