Intermittent vs continuous VLCD therapy in obesity treatment.

The role of intermittent very low calorie diet (VLCD) in obesity treatment has received little attention. Since such programs can be carried out with limited medical resources, they may offer an additional therapeutic tool. In two studies the effects of 420 or 530 kcal of Nutrilett given daily to 40 and 61 patients [body mass index (BMI) 39.2 +/- 5.1 kg/m2 and 39.0 +/- 5.0 kg/m2, respectively], either continuously for six weeks or for three periods of two weeks with four weeks maintenance interval, were compared. Attrition and weight loss was similar in both groups after 14 and 26 weeks. Intermittent VLCD treatment seems to result in long term weight losses and compliance similar to those obtained by more continuous VLCD therapy. For some individuals less side effects would favour intermittent treatment, for others motivational factors support a more continuous VLCD treatment regimen.