Following a successful very - low - energy diet (VLED), which aids in weight loss, the next crucial phase in managing obesity is the refeeding period .
The duration of this refeeding phase is often debated, with some studies suggesting that a prolonged refeeding duration could potentially prevent weight regain .
This research aimed to assess the impact of varying refeeding durations on weight development and eating behavior in individuals who had lost weight through VLED .
The effectiveness of very - low - energy diets (VLED) for rapid weight loss is undeniable, but achieving long - term weight control after the diet period poses a significant challenge .
While successful weight loss with VLEDs is often followed by gradual weight rebound, studies suggest that extending the refeeding duration after completing the diet could positively impact weight maintenance .
The research team aimed to investigate the influence of prolonged refeeding duration on weight development and eating behaviour over a period of one year .
The very - low - energy diet (VLED), also known as the Cambridge diet, is a highly restrictive eating plan designed for weight loss .
It drastically reduces calorie intake, averaging around 800 calories per day, primarily through the elimination of carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
This drastic approach forces the body to conserve energy and utilize fat stores for fuel .
One such study, titled Very - Low - Energy Diets Followed by Refeeding : Impact on Weight Loss and Eating Behavior in Obese Subjects, delves into the effectiveness of dietary interventions for weight management .
The study recruited 300 obese patients between August 2004 and January 2007, ensuring informed consent from all participants .
The initial phase of this weight loss programme involved a strict liquid diet (VLED) that provided just 2 - 3.4 MJ of energy per day .
The Cambridgekuren study, conducted in Solna, Sweden, investigated the effectiveness of a very - low - energy diet (VLED) for weight loss and maintenance.
Participants were allowed free consumption of nonenergy beverages, which provided an additional 25 kJ/100 g. Regular scheduled nurse visits were integral to the study, occurring at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 5, 8, and 12 .
During these visits, body weight was meticulously documented to track progress .
The dietary treatment following a very - low - energy diet (VLED) plays a crucial role in successful weight management and prevention of weight regain .
During the nine individual sessions with a dietitian, patients received tailored dietary advice to guide their refeeding process .
The initial session at week 12 involved random allocation of patients to a treatment group, with a target of 10% weight loss assigned.
The study participants and the study staff were well aware of the group assignment, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
This awareness was particularly crucial during the refeeding phase, when ordinary meals were gradually introduced back into the participants diets.
The program involved gradually reintroducing meals and removing very - low - energy diet (VLED) portions .
The energy intake was reduced by 30 % to promote long - term weight loss maintenance .
The meticulous measurements taken throughout the study provide valuable insights into the participants' health trajectory .
Body weight, meticulously recorded in underwear and without shoes to eliminate variations, served as a primary indicator of physical status .
Electronic scales ensured precision down to 0.1 kg, capturing even subtle changes over time .
A common manifestation of hyperglycaemia is elevated plasma glucose levels, which in this instance measure $ 6ยท1 mmol/l.
This level of plasma glucose significantly exceeds the normal range of 70 - 100 mg/dL, indicating a state of hyperglycaemia.
Central obesity is a growing concern in today's world, characterized by an excess of fat accumulation in the abdominal region .
Waist circumference is a commonly used measure of central obesity, and studies have shown significant differences between genders in optimal waist circumference values .
For women, a waist circumference of 88 cm is considered healthy, while for men, a waist circumference of 102 cm is considered ideal .
The researchers carefully calculated the sample size needed for their study to achieve their desired results.
They utilized data from a similar study to determine that a sample size of seventy - five patients per treatment arm would be required for randomisation at week 12 .
This comprehensive approach considered various factors that could influence the study's effectiveness.
The study evaluated the efficacy of two different refeeding protocols following very - low - energy diet (VLED)-induced weight loss.
The primary outcome measure was the percentage change in weight from week 12 to 52 between the two treatment groups.
Secondary outcomes included changes in eating behaviour and cardiovascular risk factors.
The results of the Very - low - energy diet (VLED) intervention revealed that after 12 weeks, 169 patients met the randomisation criteria .
This diverse group of patients was evenly distributed across two refeeding groups: one group received dietary intervention after 1 week (group 1), while the other group had a 6 - week delay before resuming eating (group 6) .
Notably, around two - thirds of the participants were women, highlighting the study's inclusivity of diverse body types and genders .
The study involved two treatment groups: group 1 received the standard treatment, while group 6 received the experimental diet.
At the start of the study, both groups experienced significant weight loss.
As individuals shed pounds on restrictive diets, they naturally reduce their calorie intake, leading to a temporary reduction in energy.
This phase can be daunting, but it's crucial to remember that weight loss is not a sprint but a marathon .
The repeated - measures analysis revealed significant improvements in metabolic risk factors after weight loss with very - low - energy diets (VLEDs) .
Specifically, the proportion of patients meeting the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome decreased from 26 % to 10 % (P<0.0001), indicating a substantial reduction in the prevalence of this condition .
The analysis also showed changes in self - assessed eating behavior as measured by the revised twenty - one - item Three - Factor Eating Questionnaire .
The researchers observed that, after 52 weeks of intervention, both treatment groups experienced significant improvements in various risk factors associated with obesity.
Notably, these positive changes were evident across all evaluated parameters, except for diastolic blood pressure in one of the groups.
Weight loss has become a global obsession, with countless individuals struggling to shed unwanted pounds .