Translating Evidence into Practice: A Case Study of Extended Use of a Very Low Energy Diet for Treatment of Co-Morbid Obesity and Chronic Disease

We report the case of a 30-year-old male with significant obesity (body mass index 47 kg/m2) with co-existing moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, hypertension, hypercholesteremia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, who was treated with a very-low-energy diet (VLED) and lifestyle modification programme for 12 months. The patient lost weight throughout the entire treatment period (average weight loss was 2.1 kg/week, for a total of 42.7 kg), and showed marked improvement in co-morbidities and no adverse effects. This case demonstrates that prolonged (5-month) use of a VLED, under close medical supervision, is safe and effective in certain patients with obesity.