Three year hospital experience with control of major obesity by VLCD in medically compromised individuals

A very low calorie formula diet (VLCD) with physician and dietitian support was used to achieve and maintain weight loss in 408 overweight patients, referred by consultants because of concurrent health problems. The patients had failed to lose weight on conventional diets, and their obesity was considered a significant risk factor in their health. Using 330 or 405 kcal formula diets, the mean rate of weight loss in men was 1.87 kg/week and in women 1.27 kg/week. Women sustained the dieting process over longer periods, with a time to maximum weight loss of 5-72 weeks (mean 24) compared to the achievement in men of 4-40 weeks (mean 12.5). Sixteen per cent of the patients dropped out in the first 3 weeks. Of the remaining 84 per cent, weight loss to within 80-100 per cent BMI 25 (target weight) was achieved by 53 per cent men and 46 per cent women who had completed more than 5 weeks dieting. Women were more complaint than men at weight maintenance follow-up and 58 per cent of the start group were observed for more than 50 weeks (50-164), only 10 per cent experiencing weight regain of 20-70 per cent. Physician support was required to adjust medication in patients attending. Complications of obesity were remarkably improved after weight loss.