Abstract
The synergistic efficacy of a very-low-calorie liquid diet (VLCD), Optifast®, combined with behavioral meal scheduling therapy, including a daily body weight chart, etc., was studied in 13 moderately obese female outpatients (body mass index, BMI=30.1±1.3kg/mm2). After their weight reductien diminished or ceased during behavioral meal-scheduling therapy, the patients were put on a liquid VLCD 5 packets of 420 kcal Optifast® with no less than 1, 500ml of non-caloric liquid per day for 2 successive days per week. This procedure was continued for 4 weeks, and their daily weight pattern was charted throughout the period of treatment. Body weight in the pretreatment period was compared with body weight immediately after, and 1 and 3 months after all treatment had been concluded. Twelve of the 13 patients completed the protocol. Body weight was decreased significantly during treatment (p<0.01). The mean weight reduction was 4.0±0.4kg, and BMI decreased to 28.7±1.5kg/mm2 (p<0.01). The body weight reduction was maintained for 1 to 3 months after treatment (p<0.01). Seven patients who were followed up for 12 months after treatment had maintained their weight reduction (4.7±1.8 kg, p<0.05). No snbjective or objective side effects were found during treatment except for slight hunger on the second day of VLCD. The 2 day liquid VLCD method combined with behavioral mealscheduling therapy was effective in reducing the weight of moderately obese outpatients and produced no rebound phenomenon.
