Contraindications

Consult your GP or Health Professional should any of these conditions apply to you:

Unstable cardiac or cerebrovascular disease

A VLCD is not advisable for people that have suffered a recent heart attack, stroke or unstable angina. Using Formulite to replace one or two meals per day may be suitable but should only be considered for those who are severely obese and used under the supervision of a medical practitioner.

Acute and chronic renal failure

Defined as GFR <60L/min. Formulite is not recommended for use in this situation as it may not meet fluid, potassium and sodium requirements. People in stages 1 and 2 of renal failure may use Formulite under strict medical and dietetic supervision.

Severe or end stage liver disease

Weight loss is recommended for obese patients with liver disease however rapid weight loss is not advised. A VLCD for rapid weight loss is not recommended for people with liver failure, cirrhosis, gallstones, portal hypertension or a past history of pancreatitis.

Psychiatric disorder and severe psychological disturbance

A VLCD is not recommended for people with a severe psychiatric disorder or psychological disturbances such as severe depression or bipolar disorder due to the potential side effects of extreme energy restriction and compliance issues.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Formulite is not suitable to meet the increased nutritional requirements of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The use of Formulite meal replacements should be postponed until after pregnancy and once breastfeeding has stopped.

Healthy body weight (BMI of 25kg/m2 or less)

Formulite is not suitable for use as a VLCD in people of a healthy body weight due to the risk of losing excess lean body mass. Individuals with a BMI of 25kg/m2 or less may use Formulite meal replacements as a weight management tool, with the guidance and supervision of a dietitian.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Formulite is a low carbohydrate product designed to induce ketosis. Ketosis can cause hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes.

It may be suitable to use Formulite as a partial meal replacement for people with diabetes while under the supervision of a medical practitioner or dietitian. Blood glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, insulin and diabetes medication dose must be closely monitored to prevent hypoglycaemia.

Children, adolescents and the elderly

Formulite as a VLCD is not suitable to meet the nutritional needs of children and adolescents under 18 years or elderly adults aged 65 years and over.

It may be suitable to use Formulite as a partial meal replacement for these individuals at the discretion of a health care professional and under strict dietetic supervision.

Porphyria

Porphyria is a group of rare diseases in which porphyrins accumulate, impacting the body’s production of heme, which carries oxygen in the blood.

Formulite as a VLCD is contraindicated in people with Polyphyria, as extreme calorie restriction can promote an attack.

Active cancer

During active cancer, there is an increased requirement for energy and protein. Eating enough protein and calories helps with healing, fighting infection and having enough energy to fight the disease and cope with treatment. Formulite meal replacements contain inadequate calories to meet the increased nutritional demands required when undergoing treatment for cancer.

 

Indications

• BMI of 30 or more

• Waist circumference of greater than 88cm in women and 102cm in men

• Well-motivated

• History of failure with conventional weight loss methods

• Prior to elective bariatric surgery

• To allow for increased mobility

• Presence of a medical condition that would be immediately improved with rapid weight loss (for example sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus)