Many people would like to lose excess weight without having weight loss surgery. To meet that need, the medical weight loss program at Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Weight Management Clinic in Flagstaff offers a very low-calorie diet program, or VLCD. The VLCD program takes the guessing out of “what’s for dinner” and trains your brain to eat out of hunger, not out of habit.
During the 12-week program, participants lose two to five pounds per week by following a structured intake of healthful shakes and bars, along with vitamin and mineral supplementation. In addition, they meet in groups each week for peer support and educational purposes.
On this program, the body switches from using carbohydrates for energy to using fat for energy via what is known as ketone bodies. The benefits: fewer cravings, feeling fuller on fewer calories and consistent weight loss. This is not a starvation diet; participants eat a protein bar, a pickle, sugar free popsicles and gelatin, or drinking a protein shake any time they feel hunger.
The cost of the program is $200, which includes classes for 3-month program as well as “Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking” cookbook. There are additional costs for lab tests, meal replacements, and provider visits (provider visits will be billed to your insurance but check your plan for coverage and benefits).
If interested, you must complete a 15 minute online webinar and then contact our office for more information and qualification screening.