VLCD stands for "Very Low Calorie Diet". Very low calorie diets (also known as VLED or Very Low Energy Diets) have been shown to be very effective in the management of obesity, providing greater initial weight loss than other forms of calorie restriction. A VLCD is a low carbohydrate, total food replacement for the dietary management of obesity. It is a nutritionally complete program providing 800 calories or less per day. It also contains the recommended daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and protein.