Very low-energy diets pass muster for teens with obesity: findings

The diets work but little is known about their acceptability or side effects, say authors.

Doctors can rest assured about suggesting very low-energy diets for teenagers with obesity, provided the intervention is monitored by a health professional, Australian researchers say.

The University of Sydney team also report that many adolescents find the month-long diet of just 800 calories per day to be acceptable, despite most experiencing common side effects such as hunger and fatigue.