Efficacy of Meal Replacement Products on Weight and Glycolipid Metabolism Management: A 90-Day Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Obesity

Botian Chen ¹, Shiyi Hong ¹, Yuyang Wang ¹, Qiang Hu ¹, Defu Ma ¹

Affiliations Expand

• PMID: 39408251
• PMCID: PMC11479124
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16193284

Abstract

Background: The global obesity issue is growing increasingly serious, impacting personal health, economic development, and the sustainability of medical systems. There is an urgent need for effective weight loss strategies that can be widely implemented. This study conducted a 90-day randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of meal replacement products on weight management and glycolipid metabolism in adults with obesity. Methods: Adults with obesity meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into three groups: the meal replacement group (n = 19), the diet control group (n = 19), and the normal diet group (n = 22). The meal replacement group used specially formulated meal replacement products for dinner, and the diet control group reduced the intake of staple food at lunch, both controlling daily energy intake between 1200 kcal and 1300 kcal, while the normal diet group maintained their regular dietary habits. Relevant indicators were measured at baseline and after 45 and 90 days of intervention. Results: The results showed that both the meal replacement group and the diet control group experienced significant decreases in weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, with the meal replacement group showing a more pronounced weight loss effect. The weight loss of the meal replacement group at 45 and 90 days was 4.44 ± 1.84 kg and 7.38 ± 3.24 kg, the diet control group was 2.62 ± 2.28 kg and 4.08 ± 2.94 kg, and the normal diet group was 0.66 ± 1.73 kg and 0.97 ± 2.02 kg. The decrease in BMI at 45 and 90 days for the meal replacement group was 1.08 ± 0.78 kg/m² and 2.17 ± 1.57 kg/m², for the diet control group was 0.82 ± 0.80 kg/m² and 1.39 ± 1.16 kg/m², and for the normal diet group was 0.19 ± 0.71 kg/m² and 0.21 ± 0.96 kg/m². The decrease in body fat percentage at 45 and 90 days for the meal replacement group was 1.76 ± 0.68% and 3.67 ± 2.62%, for the diet control group was 1.02 ± 1.11% and 1.52 ± 1.79%, and for the normal diet group was 0.81 ± 1.09% and 0.53 ± 0.93%. In addition, the decrease in BMI and body fat percentage in the meal replacement group was also significantly higher than in the other two groups. In terms of metabolic indicators, there were no significant differences in the changes of blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and ALT levels among the three groups during the intervention period. Conclusions: In summary, the results indicate that meal replacement products can significantly reduce weight and body fat percentage without affecting metabolic health.

Key points:

Using eqivalnt of meal like shakes, bars etc in control calory count fashion is Less nutritous than wholsome meal and no antioxidant benefit . Total meal replacement for 12 months can potentialy revers Diabetis Melitus Type 2 by 66% and 11% weight loss its based on 800 to 900 cal diet perday. Added protocols were 2 cups of vegtable with oil perday. Recommended daily 15000 steps in exersize is too much and not realistic for significantly overvweight and working individuals.