How many calories per day are typically contained in low calorie diets?

Low-calorie diets are typically defined as those providing fewer calories than a person's daily energy expenditure, specifically designed to promote weight loss. The correct range for these diets generally falls between 800 to 1200 kcal per day, which is sufficient to induce weight loss while still providing essential nutrients, particularly if well-balanced meal plans are maintained.

This calorie range is strategically low enough to stimulate weight loss but also high enough to minimize malnutrition risks when combined with quality food choices. The use of very low-calorie diets (below 800 kcal) is also an option in some clinical settings but usually requires medical supervision due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Hence, the range of 1200-1800 kcal/day actually pertains more to standard dietary recommendations for weight maintenance or moderate weight loss rather than classified as low-calorie diets.

Understanding this classification is crucial for practitioners in obesity medicine, as it helps guide treatment plans and recommendations for patients. A well-structured low-calorie diet can facilitate significant weight loss while ensuring that individuals receive sufficient nutrients to support overall health.