Diet gun

Very Low Energy Ketogenic Therapy (VLEKT) is a nutritional approach used primarily for weight loss and management of obesity-related comorbidities.

The characteristics of this diet (VLEKT) are a daily caloric intake of less than 800 calories.

In these calories, the carbohydrate content should be less than 50 g, there should be a fat percentage of about 44% and a protein percentage of about 43%, 1–1.5 g/kg of ideal body weight.

At only 800 calories, if we have a fat percentage in the diet of about 44% (let’s say 43%) and a protein percentage of about 43% (let’s say 42%), then we have a total percentage of calories from fat and protein of 85%, which means 680 calories, so the remaining calories up to 800 (which is the upper limit that we should consume) are 120, meaning that from carbohydrates we should consume ONLY 120 calories, that is ONLY 30 grams. There is no way we can have a carbohydrate percentage close to 50%.

The VLEKT protocol includes an active stage, characterized by ketosis, lasting up to 12 weeks (3 months), followed by a progressive reintroduction of different foods and carbohydrates, with a parallel increase in caloric intake between 800 and 1500 kcal/day.

Then, a maintenance phase, with a daily caloric intake between 1500 and 2000 kcal/day and a balanced composition aimed at maintaining weight loss and healthy eating in the long term.

1. The effects of VLEKT on metabolism in the long term have been investigated in several research studies and have shown greater weight loss than the weight loss experienced by the group on a low-calorie diet alone.

This is related to the very small amount of carbohydrates included in the diet (there is essentially no fluid retention from carbohydrates), the increased amount of proteins and the TRAGIC amount of calories that only in very few cases does a dietitian give in a diet (e.g. a woman with very short height, patients on mandatory bed rest).

2. The waist circumference and body fat mass that were measured were significantly reduced in the VLEKT group, and these results were evident despite the weight gain, after 12 weeks, which was much higher in the VLEKT group (12.4% versus 1.4% in the standard low-calorie diet group).

The weight gain occurred with the reintroduction of carbohydrate foods (due to fluid retention, 1 gram of carbohydrate retains approximately 3 – 4 grams of fluid).

3. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was still reduced at 12 months compared to baseline, despite a tendency to increase after the reduction in the previous 3 months (12 weeks with a maximum of 800 calories).

4. The effect of VLEKT on the lipid profile shows a reduction in total cholesterol but no significant changes in the HDL and LDL fractions.

5. The effect of VLEKT on blood pressure does not show any significant change.

VLEKT is certainly effective for rapid weight loss, as are all diets with such low calories, and especially in people who have a lot of weight to lose.

Restricting the maximum 800 calories to only 30 grams of carbohydrates per day (i.e. with only 1 slice of bread, 1 fruit of 80 grams and 1 teaspoon of sugar) will certainly lead not only to nutritional fatigue resulting in reduced long-term commitment and failure to achieve goals and results, but also to great physical fatigue as such a low percentage of calories is below the percentage of calories of the basal metabolism in 99.999% of people.

It is also proven that very low calorie diets (below 800 calories), have nutrient deficiencies, create a decrease in muscle mass and bone density, can create stones in the gallbladder, create temporary cardiac dysfunction, create irritability, depression and behavioral disorders.

Given the above, is it worth following this type of diet to lose the extra pounds?

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