Mood is your general emotional state over time. It is not a quick feeling like surprise or anger. Tension is how ‘wound up’ or stressed your body and mind feel as part of your mood.

A Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) involves major changes to the way you eat, so it can affect both your body and your emotions. Some people notice changes in mood or stress levels, particularly in the early stages.

If you are following a Very Low Energy Diet (VLED), it is very common to notice changes in appetite, especially during the transition into the diet (the first few days up to around 1 to 2 weeks).

Headaches are common and usually mild. Triggers include dehydration, stress, poor sleep, caffeine withdrawal, and diet changes. Manage with rest, hydration, and regular meals; seek help if severe.

Abdominal pain is discomfort felt between ribs and pelvis ranging from mild to severe. Causes can include diet, stress, medications, gastrointestinal surgeries or infection.

Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows into the oesophagus, causing heartburn. Triggers can be dietary or certain medications. Manage with small meals, mindful eating and seek advice if persistent.

Diarrhoea is frequent loose stools from infection, diet, medication, or surgery. Stay hydrated, eat bland foods, avoid triggering foods and seek help if severe, lasting, or with blood or dehydration.

Constipation is infrequent or difficult bowel movements caused by low fibre, dehydration, inactivity, or meds. Improve with fluids, fibre, activity, and routine; seek help if severe or persistent.

Regurgitation is when stomach contents flow back into the mouth or throat without forceful vomiting. Causes include reflux, surgery, GLP-1 meds, or lifestyle factors; seek care if frequent or severe.

Nausea is the uneasy feeling you may vomit, from illness, food, stress, or medication, and can improve with keeping hydrated, eating small bland meals, and rest; seek help if severe or persistent.

Vomiting is forceful stomach emptying. Causes include infection, meds, surgery, food intolerance, or stress. Manage with hydration, rest, bland foods, slow eating, and avoiding triggers.