James A. McHale, D.C.
Director, Atlantic Regional Osteoporosis Specialists, P.C.
Director, Clinical Advisory Board, The Institute of Weight Management and Health
The Physiologic Effects of a Two Day Liquid Diet on Eleven Females
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiologic changes that occurred during a forty eight
hour period in which the participants replaced their normal food intake with a liquid. The product
claims that consumers can "Lose Up To Ten Pounds in Two Days". The data obtained in this controlled
clinical study is being made available so that consumers can decide if this type of diet is right
for them. All objective data (that which the researchers see and record) was validated by three
unbiased observers.
The only subjective data obtained from study participants involved the listing of any adverse effects
from use of the product. Headache was experienced by thirty six (36%) percent of participants.
A random pool of eleven females interested in weight loss was selected to evaluate the efficacy and
safety of a liquid weight loss product. The average age of participants was 33 years; all were
instructed in the use of the product according to directions on the label.
Product ingredients are listed:
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 4 fl oz. (240 ml) 4 capfuls
Servings per Container 8
Amount per Serving % Daily Value (based on 2000 calorie diet)
Calories 10.0 **
Total Fat 0.0 **
Natural Sugars 17.6 gm **
Carbohydrates 16.0 gm **
Proteins 60.0 mg **
Vitamin A 4000.0 IU 80
Vitamin E 24.0 IU 80
Vitamin D-3 320.0 IU 80
Vitamin C 48.0 mg 80
Niacin 16.0 mg 80
Vitamin B-2 1.36 mg 80
Thiamine 1.2 mg 80
Biotin 0.24 mg 80
Vitamin B-12 4.8 mcg 80
Noni (10:1 Extract) 100.0 mg 80
Initial weights were obtained using a scale which was calibrated to fifty, one hundred, one hundred fifty,
and two hundred fifty pounds. Beside weight, participants were tested using bioimpedence technology which
generated the following data exactly forty eight hours after the start of the program:
A. Metabolic Rate (calories per day)
B. Lean Weight (pounds) **Lean weight is all body structures minus fat.
This data accurately reflects muscle mass status.
C. Total Body Water (liters)
D. Water Percent of Lean Weight
E. Percent Body Fat
F. Total Fat Weight (pounds)
Decreases or adverse effects were observed regarding metabolic rate (the amount of calories
the human body burns for energy at rest):
1. Average metabolic rate was reduced an average of 48 calories per day.
2. Metabolic rate was reduced an average of 3.3%.
Decreases or adverse effects were observed regarding lean weight:
1. Lean weight dropped an average of 4.65 pounds.
2. Lean weight loss accounted for a 4.1% decrease in body weight.
Decreases or adverse effects were observed regarding body hydration:
1. Total body water was reduced 0.97 liter (one liter weighs approximately 2.1 pounds)
Overall body fat increased an average of 0.3%; many researchers consider this clinically insignificant.
Positive outcomes were observed regarding fat loss.
1. The average amount of fat loss experienced was 4.9 pounds.
2. Total fat loss as a group was 53.6 pounds.
Discussion:
All study participants experienced weight loss. Obviously, fat loss in many consumers is a desired goal.
However, even though the average fat loss was 4.9 pounds, they also lost an average of 4.65 pounds of lean
body weight. Lean body weight helps determine our metabolic rate; as lean muscle mass increases, so does
the metabolic rate. We saw a significant decrease in the metabolic rate of study participants. In just
forty eight hours, the participants also experienced an average loss of two pounds of fluid (.97 liter),
and their complaints were consistent with people experiencing dehydration.(headache, dizziness, dry mouth,
and fatigue). Proper hydration is essential to any safe and healthy weight loss plan. Since so many
untoward effects were evident during this study, it is our opinion that consumers should avoid liquid
two day diets.
Questions or Comments? mrmack2@yahoo.com
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