A review of low-calorie and very-low-calorie diet plans and possible metabolic consequences

Of the various diets marketed, there are differences between the low-calorie diets (LCDs) and very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs). Studies done over the past decade show chronic dieting, like chronic semistarvation, can have some dramatic effects on the metabolic processes of the body. In order to help nutritionists in choosing dietary regimens appropriate for their clients, this article reviews many of the commercial LCD and VLCD programs, plans, and nonprescription diet aids being offered to the public and gives a summary of the biochemical and metabolic costs of dieting to the body