If you are searching for a quick, effective weight loss program you can do by yourself, you may want to consider a liquid diet. There are several variations on this diet, according to Vanderbilt University, and some allow you to eat a small dinner each day, but all share one common theme: The programs are easy to follow at home, once you've gotten your doctor's OK.

Significance

Physicians have used liquid diets for decades in a hospital setting to achieve fast weight loss in their patients, according to Vanderbilt University. Today, most liquid diets feature a high-protein liquid shake with added vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber. Some protein shakes come pre-mixed, while others come in powder form and need milk or water. Either way, it's easy to prepare and drink the shakes at home.

Function

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On an at-home liquid diet, you'll most likely drink three or four shakes every day, according to Vanderbilt University. These high-protein shakes will supply you with between 400 and 800 calories in total. Since you need to reduce your caloric intake by 3,500 calories for every 1 lb. you lose, you should lose up to 4 lbs. a week by following this diet.

Features

Some liquid diet versions allow you to enjoy a small, low-fat meal in the evening after drinking two or three shakes during the day, according to Vanderbilt University. Since you'll need to follow strict guidelines allowing for calories and fat content, you'll likely find you need to prepare this meal at home. Since this version of the diet provides more calories than the version that allows no solid food, you likely won't lose weight as fast, but you may feel more satisfied.

Effects

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Most people who lose weight ultimately regain it. Therefore, the most effective liquid diets incorporate counseling, perhaps in a group session, and behavioral change techniques so that you don't regain all the weight you've lost, according to Vanderbilt University. To accomplish this at home, you may want to join an Internet weight loss support group or forum.

Considerations

Even though you'll be following your liquid diet at home, you'll still need physician supervision, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Very low calorie diets, such as liquid diets, can lead to health problems, which can include an irregular heartbeat in rare cases. To make sure you don't encounter health problems while losing weight at home, check with your doctor before starting your diet.