What is it?
A Low Calorie Diet (LCD) is a medical weight management program where patients consume between 1000 and 1200 calories per day.
Who is it for?
Although not as restrictive as the VLCD, the LCD is still capable of helping you lose a considerable amount of weight and so it is best suited to people who are very overweight or for those who need to lose a large amount of weight quickly and safely.
How much weight?
Using a LCD, you can expect to lose up to 3 pounds per week. Weight loss from 50 to 150 or more pounds can be achieved with a LCD although it is accomplished at a slower rate than on a VLCD.
Special considerations?
During a LCD, you may replace all or a portion off your normal food for OPTIFAST shakes and bars. OPTIFAST is recognized as the gold standard for medical weight loss formula because of it contains all of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that you require each day.
Although the calorie intake of a LCD is between 1000 and 1200 calories, this may be quite a bit less than you have been used to. Dr. Kerendian may prescribe appetite control medication or injections to assist you to stay comfortable while your body adjusts to this reduced food intake.
On a LCD our medical team will monitor you closely. The exact schedule and type of monitoring depends on your current health and any existing medical conditions. This will also depend on what percent of your calorie intake is normal food versus OPTIFAST shakes and bars. Dr. Kerendian will always be involved in your care.
