Very low calorie diets (VLCD) and collagen diets are two of many effective weight loss regimens that are gaining traction right now. That’s why at IsoWhey, we offer the best VLCD shakes in Australia, as well as the best collagen meal replacement shakes to complement such diets.

But for those who are newbies to these programs, you may be wondering what the science is behind them and how they work. To know what the benefits of collagen and VLCD are, here’s a comprehensive guide on both diets.

How do VLCDs work?

As the name suggests, VLCDs are focused on restricting the calories you consume on a regular basis, usually only up to 800 calories at most. These diets are usually prescribed to people who are obese and overweight, or are suffering from weight-related illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Part of the diet is avoiding calorie-dense food and instead consuming lean proteins as well as effective VLCD shakes for weight loss.

The way the diet works is as a calorie deficit - you’re consuming less calories than you burn. If you’re consuming more calories than your body needs, they end up going to the rest of the body in the form of glycogen or fat. By lessening your calorie intake, while also pairing it with exercise and a proper diet, you can use all of those calories as energy while also burning the extra weight.

That being said, lessening your calorie intake too much is also harmful and can actually be counterproductive. Your body might go into “starvation mode” where it burns less calories and lowers metabolism on purpose because of the need to still have enough fat in your body. Not to mention that being too strict on caloric intake can cause all kinds of conditions, ranging from gallstones to eating disorders.

With this, it’s best to always consult an expert and have them recommend an applicable VLCD approach for you, so you remain healthy during your weight loss journey.

How does collagen boost metabolism for weight loss?

Another type of diet you can follow is a collagen-based diet. More than just a beauty, bone, and skin supplement, collagen also aids in weight loss through the amino acids that make up its composition.

Glycine, the main amino acid found in collagen, is beneficial for boosting your metabolism and promoting weight loss. Because glycine is used to create creatine, you have the energy needed for short but intense bursts of physical activity. This can help in improving your body’s muscle mass when paired with exercise. Its capacity for metabolic regulation is also why it sees use in treating metabolic issues in patients with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Furthermore, the development of lean muscles is also better for weight loss, with experts saying that muscles burn more calories compared to fat. By working on your muscles, you also improve the ease and capacity in which your body loses weight.

What happens when you combine the two regimens?

On their own, very low calorie diets and collagen for weight loss can work in silo - but combining these two treatments can make a huge difference in your weight loss journey. The energy that collagen provides helps counteract the possible tiredness and lack of nutrients you may experience during VLCD, ensuring you’re getting enough to make up for the reduced calories.

If you’re wondering which type of collagen is best for your VLCD, look no further than IsoWhey. We’ve developed an IsoWhey VLCD + Collagen shake that is good for weight loss. We have the best meal replacement shakes with collagen available to complement your VLCDs and ensure you’re losing weight without sacrificing your health and nutrition. Our shakes also come in various flavours, ensuring your weight journey is a delicious one.

With how much weight you can lose on VLCD shakes and diets, it’s important to maintain nutritional balance to ensure your weight loss is healthy and not due to starvation or malnutrition. With the right combination of VLCD and collagen, you can reach your weight loss goals faster while still keeping your body nourished and healthy.

For more meal replacement shakes to help you meet your weight goals, check out our shake collections here at IsoWhey!