Liquid diets: do they work and are they safe?

After Shane Warne’s death from natural causes, reports have been released suggesting that he had been on a liquid diet for 14 days. In a tweet days before he died, he said  “The goal by July is to get back to this shape from a few years ago.”

Liquid diets have gained popularity in recent years as a way to lose weight quickly. So, how safe are these diets, how do they affect the body, and do they work? 

What is a liquid diet?

There are various types of liquid diets. They are used to help promote weight loss by eating fewer calories. There are also promises from some that they will detox and cleanse the body. 

Liquid diets can range from fruit and vegetable juice drink diets, low-calorie shakes as meal replacements, soups, different types of teas, and other diets consisting only of liquid meals. 

Are they safe?

Experts warn that these diets could pose a health risk for some people. For some groups, such as the severely obese, eating a low-calorie diet can be suitable in some cases. 

However, it’s recommended that low-calorie diets should only be attempted with medical supervision and lots of support to make sure the dieter gets all the daily nutrients they need. 

A lot of liquid diets that are found online are marketed as a quick fix. But, although there can be a place for them, they’re not right for everyone as, depending on the diet, they usually lack protein, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals. 

Eating a diet that’s not balanced can lead to tiredness, headaches, dizziness, constipation, and even more serious side effects like anemia. 

Do they work?

It is possible to lose weight rapidly on a liquid-only diet, but there is a risk that the person will gain this weight again once the diet is over – and this can lead to a “yo-yo” effect. 

Extreme diets are not sustainable in the long term, and most experts recommend setting realistic weight loss goals and eating a balanced diet to stay healthy.