Obesity and consequent health deterioration have become a serious problem for the whole population; therefore, this topic can be considered relevant and important. Methods of treatment usually include physical exercise and the modification of the lifestyle. However, less has been said about the effects of a low-calorie diet. In the article “Diet (VLCKD) Compared to a Standard Low-Calorie Diet in Reducing Visceral and Liver Fat Accumulation in Patients With Obesity,” Cunha et al. (2020) also underline that obesity treatment programs require further assessment. In this paper, their research and conclusions are presented and analyzed.
The authors of the article represent different institutions, such as the diet center PronoKal Group and the Department of Diagnostic Radiology. Since the problem is considered from the scientific and medical points of view, the research is comprehensive and credible. The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of a very-low-calorie program (VLCKD) and compare it with a standard diet. The hypothesis made by the researchers is that the analyzed diet leads to more significant weight loss.
The participants of the study were 18 years old or older and diagnosed with obesity. Equal groups received a very low-calorie or a standard low-calorie diet. The effects were compared based on MRI and visceral adipose tissue and liver fat measurements. The results of the research imply that VLCKD resets lipid metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease if followed by subsequent long-term maintenance (Cunha et al., 2020). In general, VLCKD proved to be an effective weight loss solution. These conclusions are supported by calculations and statistical results, which makes them detailed and robust.
The findings of the study are scientifically justified, and it is difficult to disagree with their main points. For example, it is evident that since the liver is highly affected by excess weight, its mobilization during VLCKD also occurs fast (Cunha et al., 2020). At the same time, the results demonstrate no significant changes in liver fibrosis and stiffness, and it is possible to disagree that these factors are related to obesity. However, the authors themselves confirm that it is necessary to conduct further research on this issue. In conclusion, the discussed article presents a comprehensive and detailed analysis, combining analytical and statistical approaches to solve one of the important medical problems.
Reference
Cunha, G. M., Guzman, G., Correa De Mello, L. L., Trein, B., Spina, L., Bussade, I., Prata, J. M., Sajoux, I., & Countinho, W. (2020). Efficacy of a 2-month very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) compared to a standard low-calorie diet in reducing visceral and liver fat accumulation in patients with obesity. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 1–10. Web.