Meal replacement diets

These reduce energy intake by replacing one or two meals a days with low-calorie but nutritionally balanced substitue, such as a milkshake, cereal bar, soup or ready meal. The ‘normal’ meals eaten follow calorie guidelines and healthy eating principles.

What are they?

Meal replacement diets can be bought from supermarkets and usually come with information packs including recipes, meal plans, exercise and motivational tips to help people stick to the plan. Some meal replacement products are used in very low-calorie diets (VLCDs), which should be followed for a short time with medical approval and under supervision.

VLCDs(starting with a calories allowance of around 500 a day) may be recommended for people who have a severe weight problem, with associated health risks, and who have had difficulty losing weight in more conventional ways. Evidence on VLCDs sugguests that while inital rapid weight loss is quicker than with other methods, the long-term results are similar to less drastic methods. However, over the counter meal replacement diets are not VLCDs and can be followed without supervision.

The organization Dietitans working in obesity management concluded last year that there is enough evidence to support the use of meal replacements for people who have difficulty controlling portion sizes and/or preparing meals, and who have failed with more traditional dieting methods. Most of the research, though, has been done with people following clinical controlled trails rather than in everyday life.

Stick to the plan

Commercial meal replacement plans need to be followed exactly to ensure a healthy diet; do not be tempted to create your own version with milkshakes or cereal bars.

Must Know

Pros
• They are useful for people who eat on the run or who prefer mot to decide what to eat at each meal.
• Clinical trials suggest meal replacement diets can be effective.

Con
• May be difficult to adjust back to ‘normal’ eating once target weight is reached.
• People who prefer eating real food may find replacement products monotonous.

Typical day’s eating

Breakfast
• Meal replacement product

Lunch
• Meal replacement product

Dinner
• Balanced meal of up to 600 calories, to include a dessert or a small glass of wine, if liked

Snacks
• Piece of fruit
• Low-fat yogurt
• Cereal bar