Low calorie diets, [C. Wayne Callaway] explained, start out with loss of water, which then is retained as the body adapts to starvation. The metabolic rate slows down (nature's way of preserving fat in the face of starvation or famine). "Unfortunately, it is accompanied by symptoms that severely compromise one's quality of life," Callaway said. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, dry skin, sleeplessness, constipation, a fall in blood pressure, dizziness, bloating and even loss of consciousness. Some studies indicate that with each subsequent attempt at dieting weight loss is slower and rebound weight gain occurs more rapidly.

A second alternative is to see a registered dietitian. "There are more than 50,000 registered dietitians who are qualified to provide dietary advice," Callaway said. Furthermore, rapid weight-loss plans should be restricted to individuals who truly need to lose weight for health reasons and who have some medically justifiable indication for losing weight rapidly, he said. "In all cases it is imperative that there be medical supervision and that the medical supervision be competent to monitor the types of complications that are known to occur.

The menus developed are for diet levels of 1,400 calories, 1,600 calories, 1,800 calories and 2,000 calories per day, with exercise recommended. Callaway considers the program a sensible approach to dieting because the calories provide the necessary RDA's for a balanced diet while allowing overweight individuals to eventually lose weight because they are eating less and exercising more.