Medical weight loss programs are designed to treat moderately to severely obese individuals. Many dieters may have attempted to lose weight with other programs or diets and had limited success. A liquid phase of a medical weight loss plan requires meal replacements that are mainly consumed in a high protein shake form and are intended to provide nutritionally balanced, low calorie meals.
Purpose
A liquid meal replacement phase offers a highly controlled nutrition plan that limits calorie intake. The weight loss that occurs during a meal replacement phase is often an important source of motivation for patients as they continue to program. In addition, patients frequently experience improvements in blood pressure and heart health that allow them to safely increase their physical activity in the subsequent phases of the program.
Nutritional Information
Liquid diet phases typically last for up to 12 weeks and a patient can expect to consume a total of 800-900 calories a day depending on his weight and individual calorie needs. Protein shakes are carefully calibrated to offer the recommended daily allowance of protein and basic nutrients, so it is critical for patients to use products specifically approved by their physician.
Expected Results
A liquid meal replacement phase can result in average weight loss three to four pounds per week. If a patient completes a twelve-week meal replacement he may lose between 36 to 48 pounds. This liquid diet is then gradually replaced with a health, well-balanced diet under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist. Programs place a great deal of focus on counseling an educating patients to maintain their weight loss through proper diet and exercise.
Expert Tips
It critical to note that liquid diets should only be used in a supervised weight loss program. Individuals who are only slightly overweight are not typically good candidates for these diets because the meal replacement can lead to loss of muscle tone and a slowing of metabolism. People concerned about weight loss should consult with a medical professional to assess their Body Mass Index, blood pressure, and heart health in order to select an appropriate weight loss or weight management program
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