THE TRUTH ABOUT LIQUID DIETS
While the new liquid diets are greatly improved from the old formulas, which were associated with several deaths, they still have some significant disadvantages. One disadvantage is the cost. Since these diets should be taken only under medical supervision they can be quite expensive. There is an initial charge of up to $300 for a complete physical examination, nutritional and psychological evaluation and lab tests. You may also pay at least $100 per week for 12 to 16 weeks. That fee is for all medical screening, monitoring, group meetings and the protein product itself. Your insurance will usually cover the medical tests and all doctor’s fees, but not the cost of the protein product or the group meetings.
Another distinct disadvantage to liquid diets is side effects, including headaches, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, dry skin, chills, and hair loss. Some of the side effects disappear within the first few weeks and all of them vanish once you start eating again. Most serious complications, however, are extremely rare with the new liquid diets.
The important thing to remember is that these liquid diets are designed for and acceptable for only the one in fifteen Americans who are at least 30 percent overweight-In fact, the average person accepted by a VCLD program has between 50 and 60 pounds to lose, along with serious weight-related health disorders, such as hypertension, high fat levels in the blood, and diabetes. Most people who desire to lose weight only want to lose 10 to 15 pounds. Those people should choose a more moderate diet plan and avoid liquid diets.
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