Tag: Very low energy diet

Research shows that very low energy diets (VLEDs) can produce rapid initial weight loss, with some studies reporting weekly losses of up to 2.5 kg. This motivating factor highlights a key difference, but understanding what's the difference between a low energy diet and a very low energy diet is crucial for anyone considering a restrictive dietary approach.

The average adult requires approximately 8,700 kilojoules (kJ) per day to maintain a healthy weight, making a 1,000 kJ figure drastically low and potentially dangerous. The question, "Is 1000 kJ a day good?" therefore requires a careful look at the science and health implications.

According to the NASM, a very low energy diet provides less than 800 kilocalories per day, while a low energy diet offers between 800 and 1,200 kilocalories daily. Understanding the difference between a low energy diet and a very low energy diet NASM recognizes is crucial for anyone considering severe caloric restriction for weight management.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), low energy diets (LEDs) consist of 800 to 1,200 kilocalories (kcal) per day, while very low energy diets (VLEDs) are even more restrictive, containing less than 800 kcal per day. Understanding what is considered a low energy diet is crucial for distinguishing it from a regular caloric reduction, as these approaches can have significant health implications and should always be medically supervised.

Studies show that a very low energy diet can produce rapid weight loss, averaging approximately 1.0 to 2.5 kg per week during the initial phase. For this reason, a medically-supervised approach known as a **very low energy diet (VLED)** is an intensive nutritional strategy involving the consumption of 800 calories or less daily.