MEDICALLY SUPERVISED FASTS

Medically supervised fasts are very low calorie diets that provide from 400 to 800 calories per day. While most of these diets are low in calories, the protein provision is very high. The purpose of these diets is to promote fat loss, not muscle loss. The high protein content helps prevent large losses of muscle tissue. Electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals are also supplemented. Proper use of these diets requires close medical monitoring and follow-up.

Ideal weight loss programs include:

exercise
behavior modification and
nutrition counseling

A healthcare provider will carefully supervise very obese patients who may be referred to a fasting or very low calorie diet. Such programs may be right for obese persons who have serious weight-related medical problems. Rapid weight loss is the primary advantage of using these diets and this may be helpful in motivating the individual to continue with the program. This may help to support lifestyle changes that are needed for continued weight loss. However, while these diets may promote large amounts of weight loss, they are also associated with health risks. They should not be used without medical oversight.

To achieve lasting weight loss, commitment must be given to making real changes in eating patterns. Individuals who are not committed will gain back their weight.

Contact your healthcare provider for more information concerning weight loss using medically supervised fasts.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File WEIG5283.RF2 VRS# 6955 Data Version 7.0