Weight Management and Nutreat Pro40
Obesity in Australia
Rates of overweight and obesity are continuing to rise in Australia, and it is currently estimated that 1 in 3 are overweight or obese. Excess weight, particularly obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and various musculoskeletal conditions. The risk of developing these conditions increases with increasing weight, as does higher rates of illness and death than those of a healthy weight range.
Poor diet and physical inactivity are the main factors influencing overweight and obesity. The food and drinks we consume play an important role in our overall health and wellbeing. Increased energy intake from the diet without increased energy expenditure through physical activity will eventually lead to the storage of energy, as fat or adipose tissue, and weight gain.
To lose weight, you have to use more energy than you consume through the diet. This can be achieved by changing your eating habits and increasing your physical activity level. However, if you have already made healthy changes to your diet and level of physical activity or are no longer losing weight and your BMI (body mass index) is >25 you may be suitable for a VLCD.
Very Low-Calorie-Diets (VLCDs) and Weight Loss
Very low-calorie-diets (VLCDs) are nutritionally complete meal plans or commercially made formulas to facilitate fast and healthy weight loss for dietary management of obesity. They can be defined as a total daily intake of 800 calories (<3300kJ) or less. A VLCD facilitates rapid weight loss at the rate of 1-2.5kg/week.
Numerous studies have reported benefits to weight related medical conditions post weight loss with VLCDs including:
- Improvements in insulin sensitivity
- Improved gylceamic control in Type 2 diabetes
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Reduction in serum triglycerides
- Improvements in sleep apnoea
How to use Pro40 as a VLCD
1 x serve (40g) of Pro40 meets the Formulated Meal Replacement requirements (when mixed with milk). It is therefore suitable as a sole source of nutrition.
Simply replace a normal meal with a Nutreat Pro40 shake mixed with 200ml skim milk or milk alternative eg. soy, almond or oat.
When mixed with skim milk 1 x serve (40g) provides 964kJ or 225kCal.
The following list of foods can be included to add diet variety and assist with compliance when following a Very Low-Calorie Diet.
Free foods are low in kilojoules so you can eat them whenever you feel like it. Be mindful of sauces, dressings and seasonings as they can contain a high amount of sodium. Always choose low salt/no-added salt where possible.
Very low-calorie-diets are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and are not appropriate for children. It is advisable to seek guidance from your GP as to whether a VLCD such as the Pro40 Plan is right for you.