UT Southwestern Medical Center's bariatric program has developed a medically supervised program using a specially designed liquid protein diet for people looking to lose weight with or without surgery.
The weight-loss program is available to those seeking to lose anywhere from 10 pounds to more than 100 pounds safely. It is based on a severe calorie-restricted diet and monitored by physicians and registered dieticians.
"It's not safe to go on a diet like this by yourself. It could be very dangerous," said Rosemary Son, a registered dietitian and faculty associate with UT Southwestern's Clinical Center for the Surgical Management of Obesity. "It's absolutely essential that you get enough protein and enough vitamins, which is not necessarily what all protein shakes on the grocery shelf provide."
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration recently issued alerts about more than 25 over-the-counter products marketed for weight loss that contained undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients it said could put consumers' health at risk. The various tainted products contained controlled substances, a drug not approved for marketing in the U.S., anti-seizure medication and a suspected cancer-causing agent, according to the FDA's alert.
"Studies continue to show that successful, long-term weight loss is difficult to achieve," said Dr. Edward Livingston, chief of GI/endocrine surgery at UT Southwestern and director of the Clinical Center for the Surgical Management of Obesity. "A medically supervised program can help ensure you accomplish your goals safely and effectively, whether you are considering surgery or hoping to avoid it."
The medically supervised diet contains about 800 calories per day - the equivalent of about four slices of pizza - and consists of a specially designed protein powder that dissolves in water, milk, tea, yogurt and similar products. No other food is consumed initially, although after a certain period some vegetables and other foods can be added.
"Physician supervision is essential due to the drastic calorie restrictions," Ms. Son said. "If patients stay on it long enough, their appetite is suppressed. It's pretty hard for about a week. Once they get through the wash-out period, they're very motivated."