The number of meal replacements you use depends on your weight loss goals, medical history and personal circumstances—and should always be supervised by a healthcare professional.
What you will learn in these fact sheets
These comprehensive guides provide everything you need to know about VLED programs.
- How VLED programs work and which option suits your goals.
- Recommended VLED products and where to purchase them.
- Managing hunger and potential side effects.
- Practical meal plans and recipe ideas for each program level.
Understanding VLED programs
What is a VLED?
A Very Low Energy Diet works by significantly reducing your energy intake while still providing your body with essential nutrition for safe weight loss. VLED products—including shakes, bars, soups and desserts—are specifically formulated to meet nutritional requirements while keeping calories low.
VLED products can replace one, two or three meals each day, depending on your weight loss goals and lifestyle.
How does it work?
VLED programs work by restricting carbohydrate intake. When carbohydrates are limited, your body uses stored fat for energy, producing ketones. These ketones help reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to the program.
The level of appetite suppression varies:
- 3 meal replacements
Strong ketone production and significant appetite reduction. - 2 meal replacements
Moderate effects, depending on food choices. - 1 meal replacement
Minimal ketone effect; hunger management requires additional strategies
Choosing your VLED program
VLED replacing 3 meals per day
Best for:
- Rapid weight loss goals.
- Pre-surgery preparation.
- Maximum structure and simplicity.
Potential side effects:
- sensitivity to cold
- dry skin
- hair thinning
- muscle cramps
- menstrual changes
- headaches.
Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
VLED replacing 2 meals per day
Best for:
- Steady, sustainable weight loss.
- Lifestyle flexibility for work or social commitments.
- Transitioning from a 3-meal replacement program.
VLED replacing 1 meal per day
Best for:
- Gradual weight loss.
- Weight maintenance after intensive weight loss.
- Replacing challenging mealtimes (like breakfast).
- Long-term, flexible approach.
Supporting vital nutrition research
These evidence-based fact sheets were developed by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, where our team provides specialist nutrition education and weight management support services.
Help us continue providing free, expert health resources. Your support enables us to develop more comprehensive fact sheets for healthy weight management, conduct research that improves nutritional outcomes for all Australians, and make evidence-based health information freely accessible to everyone.
Recommended VLED products
- Optifast (NOT Protein Plus Shakes)
- Optislim (Regular VLCD range only)
- Formulite (NOT Lupin soups)
- BN Slim.
Managing your VLED program
Dealing with hunger
- Consume at least 2 big handfuls of low-carbohydrate vegetables with meals or as snacks.
- Choose higher-fibre carbohydrate foods when eating regular meals.
- Include protein with all meals.
- Use fibre supplements like Metamucil or Benefiber.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily.
Medication considerations
Important: You may need to adjust medications before starting or during a VLED program, especially if you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure. Always consult your healthcare professional before beginning.
Social occasions and eating out
When dining out, you can skip the scheduled VLED for that meal and choose:
- Grilled steak or fish with vegetable-based salad.
- Stir-fry chicken or tofu with Asian greens.
- Poached eggs with grilled tomato and spinach.
Request sauces on the side, avoid bread baskets and fried foods, and choose water or sugar-free drinks.
Alcohol
Alcohol is high in energy and will reduce weight loss results. If you choose to drink, limit intake and opt for lower-calorie options like light beer, wine by the glass or spirits with sugar-free mixers.
Long-term success
After achieving weight loss, maintaining healthy habits is essential. This includes:
- Smaller portion sizes.
- Lower intake of high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods.
- Daily physical activity (both cardiovascular and resistance exercises).
- Regular monitoring and support.
For expert advice on exercise, consult an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Download the fact sheets
Download 3 meal replacement program
Download 2 meal replacement program
Download 1 meal replacement program
Each comprehensive fact sheet includes detailed meal plans, product recommendations, recipes, balanced meal guides, and practical strategies for success at each program level.
Important: VLED programs should be undertaken with professional supervision. Consult with an Accredited Practising Dietitian for personalised advice.