title: Very low calorie diets in the management of obesity.
abstract: Very low calorie diets (VLCD) consisting of 300-500 kcal are known to be an effective means of weight reduction. Several years ago the most popular VLCD were found to be associated with cardiac arrhythmias and, in some cases, unexpected death. Although the cause(s) of cardiac irritability has never been determined, this problem appears to be markedly diminished by vigorous supplementation of the diets with essential elements, micronutrients, vitamins. Based on current knowledge, recommendations for VLCD usage are provided.
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*