Weight loss on the LighterLife Total VLCD
2016
The experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome on a very low-calorie diet.
Love JG, McKenzie JS, Nikokavoura EA, Broom J, Rolland C, Johnston KL (2016). International Journal of Women’s Health, 8:299-310.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-26% of reproductive-age women in the UK and accounts for up to 75% of women attending fertility clinics due to anovulation. The first-line treatment options for overweight/obese women with PCOS are diet and lifestyle interventions. A qualitative study of 10 obese women with PCOS who had used the LighterLife Total VLCD with behavioural-change therapy and group support found that most reported greater weight loss and weight management success using LighterLife when compared with other diets. Furthermore, all the women nominated LighterLife as their model weight-loss intervention.
Read more.
One-week adherence to a very low calorie diet (VLCD) increases heart rate variability in obese men and women.
Pinto AM, Johnston KL, Fitzpatrick F, White A, Allan R, Hall WL (2016). Obesity Reviews, 17(suppl 2):36.
Heart-rate variability reflects autonomic nervous system function. Obesity is associated with low heart-rate variability, characterised by sympathetic over-activity and reduced parasympathetic modulation. This pilot study compared the one-week effects of the LighterLife VLCD (600 kcal/day) and a moderate low-calorie diet (500kcal deficit/day) on heart-rate variability in 31 men and women. Mean weight loss was 2.1kg following VLCD compared to 0.8kg on the moderate low-calorie diet, and mean 24 hour high frequency power (representing parasympathetic modulation) was significantly increased following VLCD compared to an overall decrease following the moderate low-calorie diet. The authors suggest that adherence to a 1-week VLCD may have rapid effects in improving cardiac autonomic function.
2015
No difference in weight loss achieved following a VLCD in conjunction with telephone-based support group compared with a VLCD in conjunction with face-to-face support.
Johnston KL, Clarizio CA, Dyson L, Cox J, Hewlett B (2015). Poster presented at the 22nd European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Facts, 8(suppl 1):183
Results showed that after 8 weeks on a VLCD with behaviour-change therapy delivered either in a telephone-based support group or a face-to-face support group, there was no significant difference in either total weight loss or week-on-week weight loss for 2 groups of 17 age/BMI-matched obese individuals. While successful weight maintenance is complex and multi-factorial, behaviour-change therapy via telephone may provide the support required.
Read more.
The prevalence of co-morbidities in obese individuals embarking on a VLCD weight-loss programme at LighterLife.
Johnston KL, Dyson L, Cox J, Hewlett B, Capehorn M (2015). Poster presented at the 22nd European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Facts, 8(suppl 1):205
There are strict rules within the UK on marketing communications for products which facilitate weight control, with the CAP code stating that ‘Obesity is frequently associated with a medical condition and a treatment for it must not be advertised to the public unless it is to be used under suitably qualified supervision’. As such, an effective weight-loss service cannot currently reference obesity in its advertising unless its usage is directly supervised by a medical professional. Analysis of client records showed that 86.2% of all obese individuals who sought to join the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2014 presented with no obesity-related co-morbidities and did not require any medical supervision. This figure is significantly lower than that suggested by CAP and should be taken into consideration when formulating advertising rules to avoid basing guidelines on inaccurate generalisations.
Johnston 2015 prevalence of comorbidities
A comparison of the nutrient composition of 11 different commercially available formula-based VLCD foods for use as total dietary replacement during weight loss.
Clarizio CA, Cox CA, Cox J, Hewlett B, Johnston KL (2015). Poster presented at the 22nd European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Facts, 8(suppl 1):75
Provision of adequate nutrition whilst on a VLCD is vital to ensure good health during weight loss. A comparison of nutritional composition data for 11 commercial UK VLCDs available during October/November 2014, including the LighterLife Total VLCD, found that only the LighterLife VLCD complied fully with the minimum daily requirements as described in the Codex Standard 203-1995 For Formula Foods For Use In Very Low Energy Diets For Weight Reduction.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000382140
The nutrient composition of a formula-based very low calorie diet (FB-VLCD) compared with that provided by conventional food (CF).
Haynes SA, Johnston KL, Shittu C, Capehorn M, JSA Cox, Hewlett B (2015). Appetite, 87:371-403.
A comparison of the average daily nutrient provision of the LighterLife Total formula-based VLCD with that provided by a similarly very-low-calorie diet using conventional foods showed that, in order to meet all minimum micronutrient levels while not exceeding tolerable upper-intake levels, the energy provided by the conventional-food diet was 31% higher than the formula-based Total VLCD. Furthermore, conventional-food protein levels exceeded EU RDAs by 83%, with many micronutrients greatly exceeding their RDAs, some by as much as 1400%. Meeting but not exceeding the RDAs for essential nutrients on a VLCD is more easily achieved using a formula-based VLCD compared with a very-low-calorie conventional-food daily diet. Formula-based VLCDs prevent the need for nutritional supplements or complex menu planning, which are often required to prevent the essential micronutrient deficiencies commonly seen with other low calorie conventional-food choices.
Read more.
Weight loss for women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome following a very low-calorie diet in a community-based setting with trained facilitators for 12 weeks.
Nikokavoura EA, Johnston KL, Broom J, Wrieden WL, Rolland C (2015). Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 8, 495-503.
For women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), weight loss is known to be challenging, due to associated metabolic issues and/or the emotional distress that accompanies PCOS and predisposes towards cravings and emotional eating. This large retrospective analysis suggests that the LighterLife Total VLCD could be an effective way for women with PCOS to lose weight. The study found that total weight loss and percentage weight loss for 508 overweight/obese women with PCOS who completed 12 weeks on the VLCD, including group behaviour-change sessions, did not differ significantly from that of 508 non-PCOS women (matched for age/BMI).
http://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S85134
The cost-effectiveness of LighterLife as an intervention for obesity in the England.
Lewis L, Taylor M, Broom I, Johnston KL (2014). Clinical Obesity
In people with a BMI>40 who would be considered suitable candidates for bariatric surgery, LighterLife’s data show that the initial drop in BMI with the LighterLife Total VLCD is greater than that achieved with gastric banding, and almost as great as that for gastric bypass. Therefore, instead of resorting to surgery to treat obesity, in some circumstances the LighterLife Total VLCD can be used with almost comparable weight-loss results, but without the associated risks of surgery and at a much lower cost.
295 obese women with hypothyroidism achieve the same weight loss as those without hypothyroidism by following the formula-based very low calorie diet (VLCD) LighterLife Total for 12 weeks.
Johnston KL, Haynes S, Dyson L, Capehorn M, Broom J, Cox J, Hewlett B (2014). Poster presented at the 21st European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Facts, 7(suppl 1):95.
For obese women with hypothyroidism, there are both real and perceived additional barriers in achieving weight loss when compared with women without this condition. A comparison of 295 women with hypothyroidism who completed 12 weeks on the LighterLife Total VLCD with group-based behaviour-therapy and 295 age/BMI-matched 12-week completers without hypothyroidism, found that those receiving medication for hypothyroidism can achieve a similar significant weight reduction to those women without a diagnosed thyroid abnormality.
2013
Year-on-year comparison of male and female patients following 12 weeks of the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss and behaviour-change programme.
Jenner CL, Mullins G, Lula S, Johnston KL, Broom J, Cox JSA, Hewlett B (2013). Poster presented at the 20th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Facts, 6(suppl 1):110
‘Start weight and BMI are increasing year on year, which may be a reflection of our increasingly obesogenic environment. However, the amount of weight loss achieved using the LighterLife Total VLCD programme is highly consistent year on year, and is clinically significant at 17.8%, which is likely to improve health outcomes by reducing the risk of weight-related co-morbidities.’
ECO 2013 p.3
Weight loss for individuals with type 2 diabetes following a very low calorie diet in a community based setting with trained facilitators for 12 weeks.
Rolland C, Lula S, Jenner CL, Dyson L, Macdonald I, Johnston KL, Broom I (2013). Clinical Obesity, 3(5):150-157.
Approximately 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight/obese; weight loss would produce numerous benefits, yet those with the condition have difficulty losing weight and maintaining weight loss. An analysis of weight-loss data from 12-week completers of the LighterLife Total VLCD programme – 300 people with type 2 diabetes compared with weight-matched individuals without type 2 diabetes – showed that the amount of weight loss in the diabetes group was more than 90% of that in the non-diabetes group. This highly clinically significant improvement is unheard of with any other diets (which usually result in only 50% as much weight being lost by individuals with type 2 diabetes).
Weight-loss and ethnicity: a cohort study of the effects induced by a very-low-calorie diet. Rolland C, Hallam C, Lula SI, Wiggins J, Dyson L, Van Gaal LF, Broom I (2013). Clinical and Experimental Medical Sciences, 1(3):97-109.
‘…Despite a greater percentage of excess body weight lost for Caucasians, Asians had a greater waist circumference reduction per kilogram of weight loss using a VLCD approach for a 12-week period.’
https://openair.rgu.ac.uk/bitstream/10059/784/1/Rolland%20CEMS%202012%20weight%20loss.pdf
2012
Year-on-year comparison of male and female patients following 12 weeks of a VLCD and behaviour-change programme.
Lula SI, Hallam CL, Mullins G, Broom J, Cox JSA, Hewlett B (2012).
Poster presented at the 19th European Congress on Obesity.
Obesity Facts, 5(Suppl 1):189.
‘Weight loss was significant over the 12-week period – a mean 19.6kg, 18.8% weight loss was observed across the 4 years examined. This was well in excess of the clinically significant 10% weight loss known to improve health outcomes by reducing the risk of weight-related co-morbidities.’
ECO 2012 p.3
Comparison of weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes using a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) approach.
Hallam CL, Lula SI, Broom J, Mullins G, Cook D, Haslam D, Cox JSA, Hewlett B (2012). Poster presented at the 19th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 5(Suppl 1):219.
‘In a weight-loss-resistant cohort, diabetic and non-diabetic patients following the LighterLife Total VLCD and TCBT behaviour-change programme achieved weight loss by non-surgical means, commensurate with the reversal of type 2 diabetes.’
ECO 2012 p. 4
Weight loss commensurate with reversal of type 2 diabetes using a VLCD approach.
Hallam CL, Broom J, Mullins G, Cox JSA, Hewlett B (2012).
Appetite, 58(3):1176.
Achieving significant weight loss by standard dietary measures in type 2 diabetes is difficult – usually only 50% of the weight loss expected from those without diabetes is achieved. However, 355 patients with type 2 diabetes who completed 12 weeks on the LighterLife Total VLCD plan achieved a mean weight loss of 18.5kg (2st 13lb) and reductions in BMI of 6.6 and in start weight of 16%.
A comparison of weight-loss outcomes in Black and Caucasian women following a very-low-calorie diet (VCD).
Rolland C, Jenner C, Lula S, Dyson L, Broom I (2012).
Poster presented at the 19th European Congress on Obesity.
Obesity Reviews, 5(S1):94.
‘Although both groups lost significant amounts of weight, these results suggest that losing weight may be more difficult for Black women… Similar cardiovascular risk reduction benefits are, however, inferred from the comparable waist circumference reductions.’
Read more.
2011
Significant weight loss can be achieved on a short funded intervention; evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the commercially available LighterLife weight-management programme provided for obese patients in an NHS setting. Hallam C, Mullins G, Mawdsley J, Broom J, Cox J, Hewlett B (2011). Poster presentation, RCGP Annual Primary Care Conference, Liverpool.
‘While headline costs for VLCDs may appear greater than the “healthy-eating” approaches commonly available in the commercial sector, participants are not required to purchase food. Therefore the significant amounts of weight loss achievable may mean a VLCD programme like LighterLife Total represents a more cost-effective intervention for individuals and the NHS.’
Weight loss, health risk and co-morbidity improvements achieved in 12 weeks by 103 obese Asian vs 103 Caucasian patients on the LighterLife VLCD.
Hallam C, Mullins G, Wiggins J, Broom J, Cox JSA, Hewlett B (2011). Atherosclerosis, October, 218 (2):e4. Heart UK 25th Annual Conference, University of Warwick, July 2011.
‘Both groups achieved a body-weight reduction on VLCD well in excess of that known to reduce weight-related co-morbidity risk, with the Asian group’s weight loss appearing to more selectively reduce visceral adiposity and therefore have the greatest effect on cardiovascular disease risk.’
Mean weight loss achieved in 12 weeks by 4374 obese female patients on the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2010.
Hallam C et al (2011). Poster presented at the 18th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 12(Suppl s1):229
‘Average weight loss for 4374 females was 18.8kg (3st) in 12 weeks.’ This represented a mean 61.6% excess weight lost and a mean BMI reduction of 7.0.’
ECO 2011 p.1
Mean weight loss achieved in 8 weeks by 1006 obese male patients on the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2010.
Hallam C et al (2011). Poster presented at the 18th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 12(Suppl 1):230
‘Average weight loss for 1006 males was 19.4kg (3st 1lb) in 8 weeks.’ This represented a mean 48.0% excess weight lost and a mean BMI reduction of 6.1.’
ECO 2011 p.2
Year-on-year comparison of male and female patients following 12 weeks of the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme.
Hallam C et al (2011). Poster presented at the 18th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 12(Suppl 1):227.
‘Year-on-year, both start BMI and the amount of weight loss were found to be consistent. Weight loss was significant over the 12-week period, with a mean 19.7kg weight loss, representing a mean 62% excess weight lost across the three years examined.’
ECO 2011 p.4
Evaluation of the LighterLife Total VLCD programme run in an NHS GP practice to provide weight-loss treatment for obese patients with BMI >37.
Hallam C et al (2011). Poster presented at the 18th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 12(Suppl 1):227
‘The LighterLife Total programme is a highly effective method of achieving significant weight loss, an average of 3st (19.2kg) for all starters. Weight loss was achieved by all patients attending >1 week. The highest weight losses were associated with the highest starting BMI and regular attendance at the weekly meetings. The significant weight losses observed will reduce obesity-related co-morbidities, and therefore reduce associated treatment costs for the NHS.’
ECO 2011 p.10
The importance of robust screening for suitability in those wishing to participate in a VLCD.
Hallam C et al (2011). Poster presented at the 18th European Congress on Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 12(Suppl 1):228
‘The majority of individuals are medically suitable for a VLCD.’
ECO 2011 p.11
Is weight loss achieved by a very-low-calorie diet comparable to bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients? Rolland C, Hallam C, Broom J (2011). Obesity Reviews. Poster presented at 18th European Congress on Obesity, Istanbul, 2011.
After 12 weeks on the LighterLife Total VLCD, the percentage of excess body weight lost on the LighterLife VLCD (26.6%) is comparable to weight loss achieved by laparoscopic gastric bypass (33%) and laparoscopic gastric banding (12%) for people with a BMI greater than 50.
Effect of weight loss on adipokine levels in obese patients. Rolland C, Hession M, Broom I (2011). Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy.
‘A significant weight loss of 23.8% of baseline weight was observed using a very-low-calorie diet and resulted in significant improvements in circulating levels of leptin, PAI-1 and adiponectin, which are likely to be due to the weight loss and not the macronutrient intake.’
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3160856/
2010
To report on 12 patients with BMI≥50 who achieved a non-obese BMI with the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2009; a retrospective study. Hallam CL et al (2010). Obesity Reviews, 11(S1). Poster presented at 11th International Congress on Obesity, Stockholm, 2010.
‘Average weight loss for 12 patients with BMI≥50 was 66.3kg (10st 6lb) in an average 34 weeks… The LighterLife Total VLCD enables super-morbidly obese patients (BMI≥50) to achieve a BMI<30 in under 1 year without requiring bariatric surgery.’
ECO 2010 p.8
Can a VLCD be a realistic alternative to bariatric surgery for the super-morbidly obese? A retrospective study of 650 patients with BMI≥50 participating in the LighterLife Total VLCD for 12 weeks in 2009. Hallam CL et al (2010). Obesity Reviews, 11(S1). Poster presented at 11th International Congress on Obesity, Stockholm, 2010.
‘Average weight loss for 650 patients with BMI≥50 was 23.5kg (3st 10lb) in 12 weeks. Of the 650 patients commencing the LighterLife Total VLCD, 88.5% were participating at 4 weeks, 80.2% at 8 weeks and 66.5% at 12 weeks. This is in contrast to expected attrition rates of between 30-60% from dietary intervention (Dansinger et al, 2005). Mean weight loss was also significant: 10.7kg (1st 10lb) at 4 weeks, 17.7kg (2st 11lb) at 8 weeks and 23.5kg (3st 10lb) at 12 weeks.’
ECO 2010 p.6
To report on the weight loss achieved in 12 weeks by 432 super-morbidly obese patients on the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2009; a retrospective study. Hallam CL et al (2010). Obesity Reviews, 11(S1). Poster presented at 11th International Congress on Obesity, Stockholm, 2010.
‘A sample of 432 super-morbidly obese patients with mean start weight of 150.4kg (23st 9lb) and mean start BMI of 54.9 lost a mean 23.5kg (3st 10lb). This is a mean BMI reduction of 8.5 and a mean weight loss in excess of 15% of their body weight in 12 weeks on the LighterLife Total VLCD.’
ECO 2010 p.7
To report on the weight loss achieved in 12 weeks by 4306 obese female patients on the LighterLife Total VLCD weight-loss programme in 2009; a retrospective study. Hallam CL et al (2010). Obesity Reviews, 11(S1). Poster presented at 11th International Congress on Obesity, Stockholm, 2010.
‘A mean weight loss of 18.9kg (3st) following 12 weeks on the LighterLife Total VLCD and a mean BMI reduction of 7.0 were observed in female patients.’
ECO 2010 p.1
To report on the weight loss achieved in 8 weeks by 950 male patients on the LighterLife Total for Men VLCD weight-loss programme in 2009; a retrospective study. Hallam CL et al (2010). Obesity Reviews, 11(S1). Poster presented at 11th International Congress on Obesity, Stockholm, 2010.
‘A mean weight loss of 19.5kg (3st 1lb) following 8 weeks on the LighterLife Total for Men VLCD and a mean BMI reduction of 6.1 were observed in male patients.’
ECO 2010 p.2
2009
Randomized clinical trial of standard dietary treatment versus a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet or the LighterLife Programme in the management of obesity. Rolland C, Hession M, Murray S, Wise A, Broom J (2009). Journal of Diabetes, 1:207-217.
‘Greater weight loss and improved CV risk were achieved with the LighterLife diet, which mostly reflects the patient support provided for each dietary treatment.’
Weight-loss results for 7215 female patients with a BMI>29kg/m2 following 12 weeks on the LighterLife Programme in 2008. Salsbury J et al (2009). International Journal of Obesity, 2(S2):245. Poster presented at 17th European Congress on Obesity, Amsterdam, May 2009.
‘After 12 weeks on the LighterLife Programme, a mean BMI reduction of 6.5 and a mean weight loss of 17.5kg in female patients were observed… which is in excess of 15% of their body weight.’
ECO 2009 p.5
Weight-loss results for 2200 male patients with a BMI>29kg/m2 following the LighterLife Programme in 2008.
Salsbury J et al (2009). International Journal of Obesity, 2(S2):246. Poster presented at 17th European Congress on Obesity, Amsterdam, May 2009.
‘After eight weeks on the LighterLife Programme in 2008, a mean BMI reduction of 4.65 and a mean 14.8kg weight loss in male patients were observed… which is in excess of 12% of their body weight.’
ECO 2009 p.2
Different dietary approaches for the treatment of obesity, and the phenotypic responses to these diets. Hession M (2009). Robert Gordon University.
‘…Low carbohydrate/high protein diets are as effective as, if not better, for treating obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors.’
Hession Different dietary approaches 2009
2008
Weight-loss results for 1000 males following a male-specific weight management programme in 2007. Hallam Spencer CL et al (2008). International Journal of Obesity, May, 32(S1):178. Poster presented at 16th European Congress on Obesity, Geneva, May 2008.
‘Average weight loss for men on the LighterLife Programme at 8 weeks was 17.5kg, 14.4% of start weight lost. This corresponds to an average BMI reduction of 5.5… The LighterLife for Men Programme can successfully assist obese men to lose in excess of 10% of their body weight in just 8 weeks. This in turn may lead to improvements in co-morbidities.’
ECO 2008 p.4
Weight-loss results for 5000 women following the LighterLife Programme in 2007. Hallam Spencer CL et al (2008). International Journal of Obesity, May, 32(S1):178. Poster presented at 16th European Congress on Obesity, Geneva, May 2008.
‘Average weight loss at 14 weeks was 19.3kg, 19.4% of start weight lost. This corresponds to an average BMI reduction of 7.2…The LighterLife Programme can successfully assist obese women to lose in excess of 10% of their body weight in just 14 weeks. This in turn may lead to improvements in co-morbidities.’
ECO 2008 p.5
A randomized controlled trial of a low-carbohydrate vs. a very low calorie diet. Rolland C, Hession M, John O, Murray S, Wise A, Broom J (2008). International Journal of Obesity, 32(S1).
‘The LighterLife diet produced a great weight loss than did the protein-sparing modified fast for the first three months. The LighterLife diet was associated with greater improvement in some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.’
Randomized clinical trial of standard dietary treatment versus protein-sparing modified past or the LighterLife Programme in the management of obesity. Rolland C, Hession M, Murray S, Wise A, Broom I (2008). North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO).
2007
Reporting on the mean weight loss and reduction in BMI for 11,511 females who completed 14 weeks on the LighterLife Programme between 1998 and 2005. Holt J et al (2007). International Journal of Obesity, May, 31(S1):172. Poster presented at 15th European Congress on Obesity, Budapest, April 2007.
A total of 11,511 female patients started and completed at least 14 weeks of the LighterLife Programme between 1998 and 2005. Mean weight loss over 14 weeks was 19.9kg and mean reduction in BMI was 7.4.
ECO 2007 p.3
Weight loss results for 4881 females who started the LighterLife Programme in 2005 and who completed at least 12 weeks. Holt J et al (2007). International Journal of Obesity, May, 31(S1):168. Poster presented at 15th European Congress on Obesity, Budapest, April 2007.
‘Of 4881 female patients that started the LighterLife Programme in 2005, 70% (3417) remained on the programme until at least week 12. The mean average weight loss at 12 weeks in the weight-loss stage was 19.2kg and mean weight loss per week was 1.55kg.’
ECO 2007 p.4
