Feasibility of a food-based very-low-energy diet (VLED) in adults with obesity

This single-centre, open-label study that explores the feasibility of a food-based very-low-energy diet (VLED) for adults with obesity. Participants will follow a balanced and nutritionally adequate, food-based VLED (<800 kcal/day) for 8 weeks. Participants will procure and prepare their own food during the intervention. Participants will be provided with written resources such as meal plan templates and food lists, which have been designed specifically for this study. To ensure participant understands the dietary instructions and capable of making appropriate and realistic food choices, a sample meal plan will be co-created with the participant during the initial visit. Participants with specific dietary preferences, allergies and intolerances will be supported to identify suitable alternatives to meet individual needs, if specific needs extend the scope of the available resources. Fortnightly dietitian-led visits will monitor feasibility outcomes including self-reported acceptability of the diet, dietary adherence, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body composition, blood pressure, and adverse effects. Individualised dietary advice, which account for individual dietary preferences and food allergies/intolerances, will be also provided by the study dietitian as needed at these visits. Blood and urine samples will be taken at baseline and week 8. During the final visit in week 8, participants will be asked to participate in an audio-recorded semi-structured interview regarding their perceptions and experiences of the intervention. Duration of initial (baseline) visit is 1 hour. Follow up visits (week 2, 4, 6) 30 minutes. Final (week 8) visit including semi-structured interview 1.5 hours, of which the interview is 30 minutes.