A 2026 real-world study from Australia examined the use of a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) in a publicly funded bariatric clinic among patients with severe obesity, many of whom had multiple coexisting conditions.
Of the 118 patients who started the programme, 90 completed the full 12 weeks.
A structured clinical programme
During the programme, patients' usual diet was replaced with nutritionally complete products. A dietitian tailored the number of daily servings to each patient, taking into account factors such as protein requirements and clinical status. Patients were followed by both doctors and dietitians, with medication, blood pressure and biochemical markers, among other parameters, monitored throughout.
The study therefore shows how VLCD can be used as a structured nutritional intervention under close clinical supervision.
Monitoring and individual adjustment
Throughout the programme, the researchers tracked body weight, blood pressure, glycaemic markers and lipid profile, among other measures. The study also explored factors that might be linked to programme completion and treatment outcomes.
The findings highlighted the role of individual factors such as sleep, mental wellbeing, medical treatment and early response to the programme. This points to the value of viewing intensive dietary interventions within a broader clinical context, rather than focusing on energy intake alone.
After the intensive phase
Weight maintenance and the transition back to a regular diet are key elements after an intensive VLCD programme. Some patients in the study were followed up after the 12 weeks ended. However, the number of patients at follow-up was limited, so these results should be interpreted with caution.
Because the study was retrospective and had no control group, it can describe clinical observations and associations but cannot establish cause and effect.
Clinical perspective
The study offers a practical, real-world insight into the use of VLCD in a complex patient group. It underlines the importance of individual assessment, monitoring and multidisciplinary follow-up.
Professional guidance is essential for longer-term use. For total diet replacement products for weight control, EU regulations state that the product should not be used for more than eight weeks, or repeatedly for shorter periods, without advice from a healthcare professional.
Reference:
Mathews R, Richardson A, Brewer E, Brightman L, Huang HCC. Outcomes and Predictors of Success for Very Low Calorie Diets in an Australian Publicly Funded Bariatric Medicine Service. Obesity Science & Practice. 2026;12(4):e70186.
