Mar 29, 2024, 10:13 PM IST

Side effects of very low calorie diet

Shweta Singh

VLCDs may not provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Severely restricting calorie intake can lead to low energy levels and fatigue due to inadequate fuel for the body's needs.

Fatigue

VLCDs can cause the body to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to muscle loss, weakness, and decreased muscle tone.

Muscle Loss

Severely restricting calories can trigger intense hunger and cravings, making it difficult to stick to the diet long-term.

Hunger and Cravings

Rapid weight loss, particularly on VLCDs, increases the risk of developing gallstones, which are hardened deposits in the gallbladder.

Gallstones

Inadequate calorie intake and nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hair loss and thinning.

Hair Loss

VLCDs can negatively impact mood, leading to irritability, depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances.

Mood Changes

Severely restricting calories can cause digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Digestive Issues

VLCDs may disrupt electrolyte balance in the body, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.

Electrolyte Imbalance