Research
Energy balance
Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs, <800 kcal/day) are not recommended for general use due to significant adverse events and require medical supervision.
Avoid Very Low-Calorie Diets (under 800 calories) unless prescribed and monitored by a doctor. The risks, including gallstones and electrolyte imbalances, outweigh the benefits for most people. Stick to moderate calorie restriction (800-1500 kcal) for safer, sustainable weight loss.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
VLCDs are not recommended for general use, as there are significant adverse events such as electrolyte unbalance, low blood pressure, and increased risk of gallstones. Its use needs to be supervised by trained medical personnel.
Why this rating
Based on stated risks and guidelines.
Source
Diet and exercise in management of obesity and overweight
Kwong Ming Fock et al. · Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology · 2013
DOI 10.1111/jgh.12407
narrative_reviewCited 327×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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