To lose weight quickly, some turn to weight-loss pills, prepackaged meals or plans that use shakes or bars to replace food. These types of plans are only meant for short-term use, not long-term solutions. However, there are cases when using liquid meals to lose weight may be an option. Before switching to a liquid-only diet, it is best to consult with a physician, as there can be side effects and health consequences.
Considerations
To lose weight, it is necessary to take in fewer calories than you burn off. It is not recommended to try to lose more than 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Losing weight too quickly usually means losing water weight and lean muscle mass instead of excess fat. Making drastic changes may lead to initial weight loss, but once the plan is abandoned, the weight usually comes right back on. The goal is to develop lifelong healthy eating habits that control calorie intake. Since 1 lb. is equal to 3,500 calories, to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week, it is necessary to create a daily deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories. The best way to create this deficit is to cut back on what you eat and exercise intensely enough to burn calories.
Benefits
Very low-liquid calorie diets may be beneficial for some patients. Doctor-supervised liquid diets use commercially prepared formulas to promote rapid weight loss in patients who are obese. These types of diets are reserved for those with a body mass index greater than 30 or patients who have a high risk of serious illness as a result of being overweight. Very low calorie liquid diets provide about 800 calories a day for a period of eight to 12 weeks with the goal of shedding about 3 to 5 lbs. a week. They are not designed to take the place of developing healthy eating and exercise habits. They are designed to jump-start weight loss in the obese.
Features
Very low calorie liquid diets must be accompanied by identifying the reasons that led to overeating. If weight gain was caused by emotional eating then healthier ways to deal with emotions must be established. Following a liquid diet without making behavioral changes or developing healthy lifestyle habits will not lead to successful long term weight loss. If old habits return after the diet is stopped, the weight will be regained. Most patients who are on a liquid diet must also attend counseling and make a commitment to a long-term weight-loss plan.
Warnings
Medically supervised liquid diets are not the same as over-the-counter shakes sold for weight loss. OTC products may not be nutritionally balanced. Some patients on a low-calorie diet need to take supplements to ensure they get the vitamins and minerals they need. However, some supplements in high doses can be toxic so they should only be taken under medical supervision. In addition, any low-calorie liquid diet can cause side effects, such as fatigue, constipation, nausea and diarrhea. Some patients develop gallstones while following a liquid diet, which requires medical attention. For those with low risk of disease or who have a body mass index under 30, the best bet is to count calories, learn about portion control and develop a safe exercise plan so that weight will be lost and kept off.
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