Loss of fat, water, and protein during very low calorie diets and complete starvation.

The magnitude and composition of weight loss obtained in obese women on two forms of very low calorie protein-supplemented diets (Cambridge diet, Dresden drink) as well as by complete starvation has been investigated. With the VLCD, nitrogen equilibrium was reached on the 10th day of fasting, the cumulative nitrogen balance also being compensated. Nearly half of the body weight loss is due to loss of fat. In order to assess the benefit of fasting regimes, we propose to measure at least two parameters which are independent of each other, e.g., nitrogen balance and total body water. Both types of VLCD were equally effective, safe, and acceptable in achieving rapid body weight reduction.