I am always saddened seeing reports where a desperate dieter restricts calories to a degree that can be dangerous. While we often hear about "very low calorie diets" and the risk of illness and even death, the result falls mostly on deaf ears - until something like this occurs. A news report from England told a sad story of a young woman who consumed about 500 calories a day, using a meal-replacement system. While the details were not included, it was clear that her food intake was quite restrictive - at least 50% fewer than is recommended for healthy, slow and steady weight loss. She lost weight, and also her life.

While these kinds of plans are not unheard of in the United States - referred to as VLCD plans, or very low calorie diet plans - they CAN be used safely, but only under close and continuous medical supervision. With these ultra-low plans, multiple medical concerns can arise - from vitamin/mineral deficiencies, to protein deficiency, to salt balance problems, to harmful cardiovascular effects.

So, in reporting this tragic story, in the name of weight loss, I'm hoping you will see this as a real wake-up call to just stay away from extreme dieting. It's not a matter of weight loss at any cost. Slow and steady wins the weight loss race.

Please share your thoughts on this very sad story.