Background: Recent animal studies report significant and wide ranging benefits of fasting and calorie reduction. As a result, there is heightened interest in the feasibility and effects of a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) in humans. Here we present data collected over the past 18 months from the US-based 20Lighter Program (T20LP), a 3-phase (9wk) intensive weight reduction program. This abstract focuses on the first 2 phases (6wk) of data from participants enrolled between Jan 2015 and June 2016.
Methods: T20LP, a doctor supervised 3-phase program includes a loading day, 6wk of VLCD, and 3wk transition back to a normal dietary intake. The VCLD (500-520 calorie/day) eliminates dairy, wheat, corn, sugar, oil. T20LP includes daily weigh-ins and texting with the doctor, proprietary vitamin/mineral supplementation, daily journaling, and requires 3 in-person office visits (Initial baseline, Day 40±3d, Day 60±3d). The 20LP uses body composition analysis via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis with bipolar foot electrodes to monitor participant progress. Baseline values are shown as median+/-SD.
Results: 351 men and 251 women completed the first 6wk of T20LP by July 31, 2016. Baseline age (51±9.4), BMI (35.1±6.1), comorbidities, history and prescription medications were typical of metabolic syndrome. 20LP-related health/safety events were mild- the majority were reductions in prescription medications, none required more than a consultation with a PCP. T20LP participants showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat %, visceral fat, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age; and increases in body water % as a whole and when stratified by gender.
Conclusions: The first 6 weeks of an intensive intervention in high risk older obese adults results in significant improvements in weight and metabolism-related measures without significant safety issues.