Efficacy and safety of a very-low-calorie diet in a group of overweight or obese Chilean women

Background: Very low calorie diets (VLCDs) have been used to induce a rapid decrease in total body weight. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VLCD in a group of overweight and obese Chilean women. Material and Methods: Thirty women with a body mass index (BMI) > 27 kg/m(2) were enrolled to a 4 weeks intervention with a VLCD (using liquid meal replacement). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Results: Twenty five women (83%) completed the total intervention period. Average weight loss was 5.7 +/- 1.5 kg (-6.9% of the initial weight) corresponding to a 34.7 +/- 13.4% of the excess of weight. Significant improvements in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins) were observed. Insulin resistance determined by Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), decreased significantly from 3.3 +/- 1.8 to 2.0 +/- 0.9 (p = 0.003). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Short term use of VLCDs is safe and effective to induce rapid weight loss in Chilean women. (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 1286-1291).