The Risks of a Full Liquid Diet

A full liquid diet is one that goes beyond clear liquids but doesn't include solid foods. It can include creamed soups (including pureed vegetables) and such foods as smooth applesauce. Some people who are intent on losing weight quickly try to stay on a liquid diet for a prolonged period of time, but most nutritional experts advise against this.

Full liquid diets were originally designed for pre- and post-operative patients, who often have to have relatively little in their stomachs in order to prevent vomiting or digestive problems. It is also prescribed on occasion for people who are severely obese as a way to lose pounds quickly for a period of time until the dieter is eased into a more varied diet of solid foods. It shouldn't be used, however, without a doctor's supervision because of the potential for complications.

Full liquid diets are difficult to use for any length of time because they don't naturally contain much protein and tend to be very low in fiber, two features of a healthy diet that nobody can afford to do without. These diets also run the risk of causing light-headedness and a feeling of being tired or confused when used for more than a few days because the body isn't getting the proper amount of nutrients or calories.

There are some diets that are partial liquid diets that can be used temporarily that are less of a health risk. These commercial plans use liquid substitutes, usually in shakes or powdered drink mixes, for one or two meals each day, followed by a healthy dinner or lunch and dinner. These drinks are usually fortified with fiber, vitamins and minerals to make up for what you might miss by skipping meals. They should never be used for every meal of the day, however.

The ultimate risk of a liquid diet is that when you stop using it, you will simply gain back the weight you lost. You can't stay on this type of diet forever, and if you haven't changed your eating habits, you will soon put back the pounds that you've shed.

The consensus - if you want to try commercial diet shakes for a while, it can help jump-start your weight loss, but a full liquid diet is never a good idea unless it is doctor ordered and supervised.

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