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Dr. Derek Muse

Board Certified Physician

Our structured weight loss programs will help you get healthier.

Very Low Calorie Diet Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT

Want to lose a significant amount of weight? The Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) is a scientifically proven method for losing up to 200 pounds in one year. VLCD medical weight loss is safe with physician supervision and offers unique advantages compared to other dieting methods. Find a VLCD doctor near you with a proven reputation for helping people achieve results beyond their expectations. Visit our office in Salt Lake City and start the process today.

Book a VLCD Program Consultation

What Is VLCD Medical Weight Loss?

How does the VLCD work?

The Very Low Calorie Diet was developed by researchers in the 1950s and 1960s. Their work found that when humans consume less than half of their basal metabolic rate, they stop feeling physical hunger after 24 hours. With a reduced appetite and calorie intake, the body easily burns through what is digested, so that fat isn’t accumulated. With proper exercise, you can also begin shedding pounds faster and more easily.

Some of the features of this program include:

  • Patients can lose up to 5 pounds per week and 200 pounds per year
  • Programs can be followed for up to 12 months
  • Weight-loss medication can be utilized to improve compliance if needed

Very Low Calorie Diet Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT

Want to lose a significant amount of weight? The Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) is a scientifically proven method for losing up to 200 pounds in one year. VLCD medical weight loss is safe with physician supervision and offers unique advantages compared to other dieting methods. Find a VLCD doctor near you with a proven reputation for helping people achieve results beyond their expectations. Visit our office in Salt Lake City and start the process today.

Book a VLCD Program Consultation

Is a Very Low Calorie Diet Safe?

Our Very Low Calorie Diet clinic always puts patient safety first. We implement a personalized plan and carefully monitor everyone to ensure this regimen is safe and effective. Ultimately, the professional guidance and ongoing evaluations we provide make VLCD much safer than crash dieting.

What Do I Eat While on the Program?

Because of the reduced appetite patients experience, precautions are taken to ensure they still receive sufficient nutrients. It’s typical for people to consume only 700 to 1,000 calories per day on this program. Nutritionally complete shakes, puddings, soups, and protein bars are standard meals and can be purchased from our office. Prescription medications are also taken to prevent dangerously low potassium, kidney stones, gallstones, and gout. This diet should be done only under a doctor’s supervision.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Mild, temporary side effects are common. The body typically goes through an adjustment period of one to two weeks. During this time, you could have headaches, cold insensitivity, “fruity” breath, fatigue, and light-headedness. Afterward, however, most people report feeling great and more energetic.

Doctor-Supervised Monitoring

You’ll have a safety lab panel drawn monthly while on this diet. Consuming around 800 calories per day without proper supplementation and supervision can affect:

  • Electrolytes
  • Kidney function
  • Liver function
  • Blood sugar
  • Hydration
  • Heart rhythm
  • Nutrient levels

Regular blood checks will ensure the program isn’t harming normal bodily functions or health. The process involves a monthly in-person check-up during which blood is drawn and sent to the lab for review. We’ll decide whether this plan is still safe and whether any changes are needed, such as adjusting supplements, medications, or calorie intake.

VLCD Program Price

Because all medically-supervised diets are tailored to the unique needs of the individual, costs can vary for this particular treatment. These programs can extend up to 12 months, and you may reach your goals faster or longer than others. However, some base costs can help with estimating our VLCD program price:

  • The initial exam is $170.
  • After the initial exam, patients will pay an additional $100 for their first month of the program, plus the cost of food.
  • Monthly continuous fees are $270, which include the weekly diet class, weekly meetings with a diet counselor, a monthly visit with the doctor, and monthly safety blood work.

Who Can Participate in VLCD Medical Weight Loss?

Everyone is different, from their nutritional requirements and genetic makeup to their lifestyles and psychological profiles. All of these factors and more are considered when developing a medically-guided weight-loss plan. Some people will easily adjust to these programs and have minimal side effects, but others may require more prescribed medicines and supplements to get the best results and experience.

Start With the Screening Process

Every patient must undergo our screening process before treatment. The initial VLCD program consultation will assess age, pre-existing and current conditions, and weight loss goals. This program is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant or nursing women, or the elderly. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for VLCDs.

An EKG (electrocardiogram) may be performed. Major calorie restriction can affect the heart and electrolyte balance. The EKG helps us check for underlying cardiac risks that could be dangerous during dieting:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Prior heart damage
  • Conduction abnormalities
  • Signs of enlarged heart chambers

Follow the Regimen

Accepted participants must be able to follow the prescribed system. There are weekly classes and meetings with staff to review plans, refill prescriptions, and monitor safety.

Very Low Calorie Diets Tailored to Your Weight Loss Goals

One unique advantage of VLCD medical weight loss is that it can be personalized to each individual’s goals. The in-depth monitoring and effectiveness of this system allow us to tell you fairly accurately how long the diet will last.

Results depend on your specific metabolic rate and activity level. However, almost everyone loses 3 to 5 pounds per week. This generally means it may take six months to lose 50 to 80 pounds and nine to 12 months to lose more than 80 pounds. Programs are typically much shorter for those wishing to lose less weight.

Customizing Nutrition Intake

Another way this system is more customized than other diets is that adjustments can be made based on your body’s needs. Some people require fewer calories than others, and vice versa. Some may also require different forms of supplementation to meet specific nutrient and protein needs. Age and sex are significant factors in these considerations.

Transitioning and Maintenance Plans

Starting and ending VLCDs are both major transitions. In many medically supervised programs, the tailoring is less about the diet itself and more about safely integrating rapid weight loss into the person’s overall health profile and daily life. Similarly, transitioning off of these programs may take careful planning and methodical execution to ensure safety.

We help patients understand what to expect before and after the process. From how to reintroduce carbohydrates to long-term eating habits that will prevent relapse, we’re committed to seeing you achieve long-term success.

Choose a Trusted Medical Weight Loss Clinic

VLCDs can be rewarding when monitored and guided by professionals. This research-based system has helped millions of people over the decades achieve their body goals. The key is choosing a trusted doctor with relevant experience.

Our clinic stands out in Salt Lake City for delivering excellent results and customer service. A highly trained staff and board-certified physician work closely with every patient to ensure a safe and effective weight loss journey. With us, you’ll feel confident that you’re on the right path to a healthier lifestyle.

Schedule a VLCD Program Consultation Today

Start the journey to living a healthier life by shedding pounds safely and effectively. Medically-supported weight loss can be much more reliable than crash diets because of a tailored approach that fits your body and goals. VLCD medical weight loss is one of the most effective programs, as it helps control cravings and reduce appetite. Contact our office in SLC today to learn how we can develop a Very Low Calorie Diet tailored to your needs.

Call 801-559-3848

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  • ADVANCED MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS

    • 4460 South Highland Drive, Suite 410
    • Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
    • Phone: 801-559-3848
    • Fax: 801-272-5989
    • Email: derekmuse@advancedmedicalweightloss.com

     

    We are open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 11 am.

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  • Advanced Medical Weight Loss offers a variety of weight management programs.
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