Obesity is a major health issue and is associated with serious conditions and diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. A protein-sparing modified fasting, or PSMF diet is one of a variety of medically supervised programs designed to help moderately to severely obese individuals achieve lasting weight loss and make long term lifestyle changes that support healthy diet and physical activity.
Purpose
A protein-sparing modified fast is designed to help obese individuals achieve rapid weight loss, while protecting the body from the muscle wasting that may occur on fasts that do not allow protein or food. The rapid weight loss that results offers many health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels. Many patients also experienced increased motivation regarding their weight loss efforts and personal health goals when they experience an initial weight loss from the program.
Diet Guidelines
A Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Diet requires a very strict food plan of lean protein and vegetables. All carbohydrates and excess fats are eliminated from the diet, and meals consist of lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and egg whites with sides of low-starch vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach or kale. This diet places the body in a state of ketosis, which causes a breakdown of fat and a loss of appetite. Dehydration can occur during this process, so patients are instructed to consume adequate fluids and sodium, and they are typically prescribed potassium supplements. The exact diet guidelines are individualized to meet patient needs.
Behavior Modification
Designed to offer long term solutions for obesity, PSMF diets typically include behavioral counseling and exercise instruction as an integral part of the program. Patients learn about proper nutrition and are offered behavior modification techniques, such as relaxation, deep breathing and meditation, to help cope with emotional or stress-induced eating habits that often lead to poor nutrition and weight gain. Exercise programs are customized to meet a patient's health restrictions in order to gradually and safely build muscle tone and physical endurance.
Expert Insights
PSMF diet plans should not be used by patients of normal weight who only wish to lose a few pounds. These diet plans are very restrictive and should only be followed under the direct care of a doctor. It is also recommended that patients consult with a dietitian on a regular basis during the program to ensure that meals are properly planned. A dietitian should also help a patient determine when carbohydrates can be reintroduced into the diet. This process, referred to as "refeeding" is critical for long term weight management because patients learn to eat a balanced diet with a variety of food options while still maintaining a healthy weight.
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