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Safety and efficacy of a multiphase dietetic protocol with meal replacements including a step with very low calorie diet

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Abstract

To investigate safety, compliance, and efficacy, on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors of a multiphasic dietary intervention based on meal replacements, including a period of very low calorie diet (VLCD) in a population of obese patients. Anthropometric parameters, blood tests (including insulin), dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and questionnaires for the assessment of safety and compliance before and after (phase I) a 30-day VLCD, 700 kcal/day, normoproteic, 50 g/day carbohydrate, four meal replacements; (phase II) a 30-day low calorie diet (LCD), 820 kcal/day, three meal replacements plus a protein plate; (phase III) 60-day LCD, 1,100 kcal/day, two meal replacements plus two protein plates and reintroduction of small amounts of carbohydrates; (phase IV) 60-day hypocaloric balanced diet (HBD), 1,200 kcal/day, one meal replacement, two protein plates and the reintroduction of carbohydrates. 24 patients (17 females, 7 males, mean BMI 33.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2, mean age 35.1 ± 10.2 years) completed the study. The average weight loss was 15.4 ± 6.7 %, with a significant reduction of fat mass (from 32.8 ± 4.7 to 26.1 ± 6.3 % p < 0.05) and a relative increase of lean mass (from 61.9 ± 4.8 to 67.1 ± 5.9 % p < 0.05). An improvement of metabolic parameters and no variations of the liver and kidney functions were found. A high safety profile and an excellent dietary compliance were seen. The VLCD dietary program and the replacement dietary system described here is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for weight control.

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Correspondence to Lucio Gnessi.

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Basciani, S., Costantini, D., Contini, S. et al. Safety and efficacy of a multiphase dietetic protocol with meal replacements including a step with very low calorie diet. Endocrine 48, 863–870 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-014-0355-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-014-0355-2

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