What is Optifast^® VLCD^™?

Optifast^® VLCD^™ is a very low calorie diet and is scientifically formulated for the dietary management of obesity . The Optifast^® VLCD^™ products are not drugs. They do not contain active ingredients. They contain carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and high quality protein which helps to preserve lean body mass (muscle) while you lose your fat stores. They also contain the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Weight loss is achieved via restriction of energy intake.

By reducing your calorie intake to less than 800 calories per day (during the Intensive Phase), your body switches to breaking down fat as the major energy source and you literally live off your own fat stores. This process is known as ketosis, where ketones are formed which serve as a energy source for the body. Presence of ketones in urine is expected and, during treatment can serve as a useful measure of compliance. Appetite is reduced after the first few days.

By reducing your calorie intake to less than 800 calories per day (during the Intensive Phase), your body switches to breaking down fat as the major energy source and you literally live off your own fat stores. This process is known as ketosis, where ketones are formed which serve as a energy source for the body. Presence of ketones in urine is expected and, during treatment can serve as a useful measure of compliance. Appetite is reduced after the first few days.

There are 3 different phases to the Optifast^® VLCD^™ program.

The Intensive Phase involves you replacing all 3 meals with Optifast^® VLCD^™. The Transition and Maintenance Phases replace 2 and 1 meal respectively with Optifast^® VLCD^™.

The intensive phase where all meals are replaced with a Optifast^® VLCD^™ product, is recommended only for individuals with a BMI of 30 or more. During the Intensive Phase all 3 meals are replaced with an Optifast^® VLCD^™ product (males may need to have 4 serves of Optifast^® VLCD^™ per day). You will also need to have 2 cups of low starch (green) vegetables with a tea spoon of oil & 2 litres of water or low calorie fluids. You can also have sugar free sweets and diet jelly if you are craving something sweet. The total calorie intake of this phase is < 800kcal per day, this phase lasts for 12 weeks. Once you have completed the Intensive Phase you then progress onto the Transition and Maintenance Phases.

The Transition phase (six weeks): The Transition Phase is suitable for people who require significant weight loss. This Phase restricts calorie intake but not as much as the Intensive Phase. Weight loss of 1-2kg per week can be achieved. This phase is suitable for those with a Body Mass Index of 25-30. During this phase you will be replacing 2 meals with Optifast^® VLCD^™. You will continue to eat 2 cups of low starch vegetables and to drink 2 litres of low calorie fluids. Your third meal should be a low calorie meal of around 300-350 calories. You can also have 2 serves of fruit (around 70 calories each) and 1 serve of dairy (around 100 calories) bringing your total food intake, including your Optifast^® VLCD^™ to approximately 800-880 calories per day.

The maintenance stage (four weeks) is suitable for people with a small amount of weight to lose (less than 5% of current weight). This phase restricts calorie intake slightly and weight loss of up to 1 kg per week can be achieved. This phase is suitable for those with a Body Mass Index of 25-30. During this phase you will be replacing 1 meal per day with Optifast^® VLCD^™ and eat 2 low calorie meals (around 300-350 calories each). Continue to have 2 cups of low starch vegetables as a part of meals and to drink 2 litres of low calorie fluids. You may also have 2 fruit serves (approx 70 calories each) and 1 serve of dairy (approx 100 calories). This increases the total daily calorie intake, including your Optifast, to approximately 1000kcal per day.

The stabilisation phase is where the Optifast^® VLCD^™ is eliminated. The total calorie intake is approximately 1200 -1500 calories; 350kcal in the morning, 350kcal at lunch and 500kcal in the evening.

During the Intensive Phase of the Optifast^® VLCD^™ Program, on average men lose 1.5-2.5kg per week and women lose 1-2kg per week. With medical supervision, weight loss of around 15-20kg may be experienced over a 12 week period. It is common to see a larger amount of weight loss in the first week of the program. The weight loss in the second week will give you an idea of what to expect ongoing. Weight loss will vary between individuals and will depend on how much and what type of other foods you are eating, as well as the amount and intensity of physical exercise.

The body sources energy from the food we consume. When there is not enough energy from carbohydrates available, but there is adequate protein being consumed, the body has to find an alternate source of energy. It does this via a process called lipolysis, where fat is converted into fatty acid chains. The liver is able to break down the fatty acids into ketone bodies, which are used by the body for energy. This process is called Ketosis. Excess ketones are excreted from the body via urine and breath (thus the bad breath). It is possible to check to see if Ketosis is occurring using Ketostix, available from pharmacies. Ketostix measure the amount of ketones in urine.

Optifast^® VLCD^™ is only sold through registered pharmacies and hospitals. Also online from our website at www.optifast.com.au

A very low calorie diet (VLCD) or a very low energy diet (VLED) is a total food replacement for the dietary management of obesity. They are nutritionally complete meals containing 800 calories or less per day. VLCDs/VLEDs also contain the recommended daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and protein. Reducing the energy (calorie) intake to less than 800 calories leads to a whole body shift towards fat/lipid stores being utilised as the major source of energy and therefore resulting in weight loss. In comparison a formulated meal replacement means a single food or pre-packaged selection of foods that is sold as a replacement for one or more of the daily meals but not as a total diet replacement.

The Optifast^® VLCD^™ program has been clinically proven as safe and effective and the low calorie content will result in weight loss. Optifast^® VLCD^™ has been around for over 30 years and was developed by healthcare professionals: doctors, dietitians and scientists. The product has been researched in numerous clinical trials worldwide and in Australia was given the highest evidence rating (Evidence Level 1) by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The program has been developed here in Australia by our Optifast^® VLCD^™ Advisory Board. This is made up of healthcare professionals from a variety of different disciplines. Optifast^® VLCD^™ is unique in the weight loss category as apart from weight loss drugs (which Optifast^® VLCD^™ is not) there is no other product that has so much clinical evidence behind it.

If you have an obesity related disorder we recommend that you consult your doctor before commencing Optifast^® VLCD^™ to ensure that the program is suitable for you. There are guidelines that we can provide to your doctor to assist in their monitoring of your progress, if they decide the Optifast^® VLCD^™ is appropriate. We are more than happy to provide these, if your doctor would like to contact us.

It is normal to feel hungry for the first few days of the program as your body adjusts to burning body fat for energy. As this process starts to occur your body will begin to produce ketones as a by-product of the fat burning process. The ketones tend to suppress appetite. This process is called ketosis. If you are feeling hungry whilst on the program ensure that your fluid intake is adequate. We sometimes mistake hunger for thirst. Try distracting your self with another activity and use your allowed vegetables, fluids, diet jelly and sugar free lollies.

Optifast^® VLCD^™ can be considered in individuals with a BMI > 30, or a BMI > 27 + risk factors. OR individuals with a waist circumference of >80cm for women and >90cm for men. Healthcare professional supervision is always advised. Ensure you talk to a healthcare professional before starting Optifast^® VLCD^™.

Further information on Optifast^® VLCD^™ can be obtained from the pamphlet found in each box of Optifast^® VLCD^™.

Alternatively there is lots of information on our website for members www.optifast.com.au - register today.