Morbid obesity is diagnosed when body weight exceeds 100 pounds or more over ideal weight or when body mass index reaches 40 or higher. Morbid obesity greatly increases the risk of developing and dying from many chronic conditions. In addition, basic movements become difficult as does breathing and sleeping. There are specialized weight loss diets for the morbidly obese to help jump start weight loss efforts and provide the motivation to develop a long-term weight loss program.
Low Calorie Diets
Before attempting weight loss surgery, a health care provider may recommend trying lifestyle changes first. This includes getting regular exercise to burn calories off and reducing caloric consumption. A starting point may be a low calorie diet that restricts intake to between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day, which includes 250 g or more carbohydrates, 68 g protein, and 60 g or less fat, states the Duke University Health System. Since losing weight is hard, attending structured programs such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or hospital-based support groups may help. These programs provide peer support and are overseen by leaders who can help members stay on track. However, given the serious health complications obesity can cause, these weight loss programs should be overseen by a physician. Low calorie diets are designed to encourage slow and steady weight loss of about one to two pounds per week.
Very Low Calorie Diets
If a patient has a very high risk of weight related problems, short term physician supervised very low calorie diets may be tried. According to the Cleveland Clinic very low calorie diets usually consist of commercially prepared formulas or bars with 800 or less calories that replace some or all of the usual food intake. Very low calorie diets can result in a loss of about 3 to 5 lbs. per week, for an average total weight loss of 44 pounds over 12 weeks. Side effects are usually mild and can include fatigue, constipation, nausea and diarrhea. However, some patients can develop gallstones, which may require surgery. The goal of very low calorie diets is to jump-start weight loss and then transition the patient to a low calorie diet, until the weight goal is achieved.
Strictly Liquid Diets
Another option is medically supervised liquid diets that allow only 600 to 800 calories a day. These diets can cause many health problems if not followed correctly, so they need to be overseen by a physician. These types of diets are reserved for those who need to lose a significant amount of weight quickly for an upcoming medical procedure or in cases where there is a serious health concern, reports the MayoClinic.com. Since these diets are so restrictive, in most cases the weight that is lost is quickly regained once the liquid diet is stopped, unless it is followed by a low calorie diet and behavioral changes.
Considerations
Very low calorie diets and liquid diets are not a replacement for healthy lifestyle changes. They are designed to be used short term to help a patient get started. While on these programs it is essential to develop a food and exercise program that will be followed for life. In addition, unless the underlying reasons that cause over eating are addressed, long term results are not likely. Given this, it is recommended that morbidly obese patients attend counseling or support groups to help address underlying behaviors and find ways to deal with problems and emotions that are not food based.
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