The Skinny on Liquid Diets for Weight Loss

How do they work? Liquid diets work by severely restricting overall calorie intake - sometimes to as little as 400-600 calories a day. Obviously anyone on this limited amount of calories will lose weight, and quickly. The liquid, generally in the form of a shake or fruit smoothie, will be packed with proteins, vitamins, carbs and other nutrients, and is taken in place of food for a specified amount of time.

What's the benefit of a liquid diet?

For some, a liquid diet can be used to help treat or control a variety of medical conditions, including high blood sugar, high lipids, hypertension and other side effects of obesity. For others, a liquid diet is purely a tool to lose weight, fast.

Critics claim that a big problem with liquid diets is that they fail to teach new eating habits. When the weight loss goal is reached, and the dieter goes back to "real" food, it's all too easy to slip back into the bad habits that led to the weight gain in the first place. This yo-yo effect is widely documented, and can have both emotional and physical repercussions. Combine your liquid diet with a doctor-approved exercise program, and create a plan for continued success after you return to solid foods.

Research has shown that liquid diets can lead to cardiac problems, muscle pain, chemical imbalances and a host of other health issues. Careful monitoring, including periodic blood work, is essential for anyone on a liquid diet. Check in with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.

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