Hormonal
Very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) induce rapid weight loss primarily through initial natriuresis and diuresis driven by decreased insulin and increased glucagon, followed by sustained loss due to severe caloric restriction and preserved lean mass.
Follow a strict 600-800 calorie daily plan with less than 50g of carbs for 8-12 weeks under medical supervision. You will likely lose weight rapidly due to water loss initially, then fat loss. Take your prescribed vitamins and minerals to avoid side effects like headaches or cramps. This is a short-term intervention to jumpstart weight loss, not a lifelong diet.
The rapid initial weight loss is due to natriuresis and diuresis resulting from the decrease in insulin levels and increase in glucagon levels and ketone production [17, 18]. Even after the initial diuresis, the rate of weight loss remains faster than with other types of diet because the calorie level is so low.
Why this rating
Based on a practical guide citing multiple clinical trials and guidelines, though not a single primary RCT itself.
Source
The management of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in obesity outpatient clinic: a practical guide
Giovanna Muscogiuri et al. · Journal of Translational Medicine · 2019
DOI 10.1186/s12967-019-2104-z
More from this paper
- VLCKD is contraindicated in patients with Type 1 Diabetes, renal failure, liver failure, and certain cardiac conditions due to risks of euglycemic ketoacidosis, electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic stress.Strong
- VLCKD preserves lean body mass better than starvation or standard very low-calorie diets due to high biological-value protein intake and ketone-mediated protein sparing.Good
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