FAQ - Possible Side Effects
1. I notice a tendency towards bad breath. Why is this?
Answer
A mild ketosis may develop when on Cambridge Weight Plan Total Diet Replacement and this could affect your breath slightly. Simply brush your teeth more often and use mouthwash or breath fresheners.2. Why do I feel cold on Cambridge Weight Plan Total Diet Replacement programme?
Answer
This is almost certainly due to a reduced thermogenic response to a reduced food intake. Large meals cause the body to generate a lot of body heat, while smaller meals produce less heat. Individuals differ widely in their thermogenic response. Your hands and feet may feel particularly cold – this is a normal response. Your body is trying to conserve heat and energy due to the reduced calorie intake.Other factors that influence body heat production include the slight reduction in metabolic rate, which always happens during weight loss and, of course, the loss of insulating fat! Those who are sensitive to the cold need to move around more and wrap up warmly – many light layers are more effective than a single heavy layer.
3. Is it normal to get constipated after starting Cambridge Weight Plan?
Answer
Constipation is a common symptom of using a low-calorie diet. The reason for this is the change in food eaten. Cambridge Weight Plan products contain the correct amount of dietary fibre but there is still less bulk entering the body and straining may be necessary to excrete waste. It may be advisable to use a natural bulking agent such as Cambridge Fibre from day one of the diet programme as a preventative measure.Psyllium husks, also known as Isphagula, have also been found to be particularly effective in preventing constipation. However if constipation persists for more than three days, or if you are suffering from physical discomfort, you should stop taking Cambridge Fibre or psyllium and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable laxative.
4. I have been on Cambridge Weight Plan for two weeks and am getting cramp in my legs. Is the diet causing this?
Answer
Leg cramps are common on a low-calorie diet, particularly in the initial stages when the diuretic phase is maximal. The rapid water shift is probably responsible. The muscle spasms result from changes in the sodium levels as the water shifts between cells. If symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.5. Just after starting Cambridge Weight Plan I suffered from diarrhoea. Why is this?
Answer
This is a minor problem and is considered a possible transient effect that will last for only a short time. Some people have systems that are not used to the mineral content in Cambridge products. It is a good idea to drink an extra glass of water at the same time as having a Cambridge Weight Plan meal. This will help dilute the effect of the minerals in the body.It may be advisable to consume a Cambridge Weight Plan meal in the form of half portions (8 half portions per day) initially to dilute the mineral intake. Another possible cause of continued diarrhoea is lactose intolerance. Some people cannot digest the lactose in milk products and diarrhoea can occur. If this is the case, Cambridge Weight Plan cannot be used.
If you have diarrhoea, which has lasted longer than the first few days of the Plan, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.
6. I have lost 19kg on Total Diet Replacement programme and am now experiencing some hair loss. Is this due to Cambridge Weight Plan?
Answer
Hair loss as a generalised thinning of the hair across the head can be associated with weight loss. The thinning can occur during and sometimes after the weight loss phase. Weight loss is not the only reason for hair thinning and we would therefore recommend you seek medical advice from your doctor if you are concerned.7. Why do I get a headache on Total Diet Replacement?
Answer
Occasionally, during the initial few days, a person may experience carbohydrate or caffeine withdrawal and may develop a headache.This is a temporary side effect and should be tolerated where possible. You may find a simple painkiller such as paracetamol may help. Insufficient fluid intake could also cause mild dehydration and an ensuing headache. Ensure that you are drinking the recommended amount of water.
8. Do Cambridge Weight Plan programmes affect the menstrual cycle?
Answer
Hormone levels fluctuate when there are changes in weight – particularly in women. Rapid weight loss with an LCD may temporarily affect the menstrual cycle. Ovulation, however, is probably not interrupted.In most cases the menstrual cycle remains unchanged but for some women breakthrough bleeding or heavier periods may occur. Others may find that their periods stop for a while. Fertility may also be affected and unexpected pregnancies have been known to occur, therefore if you have been trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant, you need to be aware that during and after weight loss, fertility may increase.
The metabolism of hormonal contraceptives may be affected during effective weight loss and so we recommend additional methods of contraception if you do not wish to fall pregnant while on a programme.
9. Whenever I start Cambridge I feel nauseous. Is this normal?
Answer
Some people are more sensitive to the high concentration of minerals and vitamins in the products. Often a full glass of water before or following a Cambridge sachet, bar or ready to drink shake may eliminate nausea by diluting the effects of the minerals.Another option would be to have your Cambridge sachets as 8 half portions, which would split the mineral content you have each time.
10. I have developed a rash. Am I allergic to Cambridge Weight Plan?
Answer
Skin rashes can be caused by any number of things. However, just occasionally, there may be something in the formula of the Cambridge products to which someone has an allergic reaction.If a rash occurs while using Cambridge you should stop the Plan straight away. If the rash fails to settle or progresses, then seek medical advice. When the rash has subsided, if you wish to restart seek advice from your Cambridge Consultant on how to do this.
Please refer to the Allergies/Intolerances/Choices chart on the website. Food allergies should be properly investigated and allergen-free diets should be based on sound scientific tests.
11. What happens to skin after extensive weight loss?
Answer
After a large amount of weight loss your skin may sag. It may recover but this will depend on your age, general health and skin elasticity.Ageing changes the nature of collagen – the main support structure in the skin – making it less supple with time. Younger, rather than older skin, may therefore firm up more quickly following weight loss. After weight loss there may sometimes be a need for plastic surgery to remove redundant skin folds.
