The role of very-low-calorie diets in obesity.
The popularity of very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) is enormous, but questions persist about their safety and their long-term efficacy. This article addresses the following questions: who should be placed on a VLCD? when should a patient go on a VLCD? how much should an individual lose? where should a VLCD program be carried out and by whom? It stresses the importance of evaluating VLCD programs by their long-term goals and long-term results. Also, a few of the unanswered questions in VLCD treatment are addressed. Finally, worrisome financial-ethical questions of the business of VLCDs is discussed.
Pi-Sunyer
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Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY.
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000367:Age Factors; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors