The Effect of Liquid Meal Replacements
Over the past few years, liquid meal replacements have grown in popularity. Are they a legitimate weight loss solution or just a hoax?
What are meal replacements?
It’s exactly as it sounds! They are used as substitutions for a full meal. For example, instead of eating breakfast you can replace it with a smoothie or a shake.
How does it work?
The idea is to use meal replacements to control the amount of calories you eat in a day. By using a prepackaged meal, patients are able to count calories and avoid overeating. Also, these meals are often packed with nutrients and vitamins that are essential for you body to function normally.
How do we know if it actually works, though?
Multiple research studies have been performed that found that the use of liquid meal replacements can help with weight loss. A recent meta-analysis of nine trials found that patients lost an average 2.37kg (5.2lbs) after a median follow-up of 24 weeks.
*Noronha, J. C., et al (2019). The Effect of Liquid Meal Replacements on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight/Obese Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Diabetes Care, 42(5), 767–776. doi: 10.2337/dc18-2270
Are there any other benefits?
Yes! Studies have shown an improvement in blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Although, this is most likely associated with the weight loss that comes along with meal replacements and not just the meal itself.
What do we recommend for our patients?
All patients should discuss weight loss strategies and goals with their physicians. You might benefit from using liquid meal replacements for weight loss but other strategies might be more appropriate depending on your weight and medical history. Also, no studies have been done comparing one meal replacement to another. So, we recommend you check with your doctor to make sure the brand you’re choosing is the right one for you.
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