It is safe to be on a very-low-calorie diet for
more than 12 weeks
The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
(NICE) recommend using a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) for no more
than 12 weeks continuously. This recommendation is based on
existing research, most of which has only trialled the use of VLCDs
for around 12 to16 weeks (see more on VLCD
research).
To comply with NICE guidelines, after using
Total Balance Foodpacks for 12 weeks on
the LighterLife Programme, you’ll need to increase your intake to
over 1000 kilocalories a day for a week. Adding milk to Foodpacks
is an easy way to do this.
On the LighterLife Programme this is called Low-Calorie
Week
At the end of Low-Calorie Week you can return
to mixing Total Balance Foodpacks with
water for a further 12 weeks. After this you must repeat
Low-Calorie Week, continuing the cycle for as long as you remain on
the VLCD.
All the evidence can be read in section 5b of
the full NICE guidance:
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG43/guidance/section5b/word/english
However, metabolic experts such as Professor
Iain Broom, consultant in Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic
Medicine at Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust, say there’s
currently no evidence to argue for limiting the continuous use of a
modern VLCD to 12 weeks.
What if my BMI drops below a healthy
range?
It’s essential you don’t continue using a VLCD
when your BMI falls below a healthy range. LighterLife won’t allow
you to continue in abstinence on the LighterLife Programme once
your BMI falls below 22.
Got a question we haven't answered?
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Add milk to Foodpacks after
12 weeks to comply with NICE guidelines.
