Do Meal Replacement Weight Loss Programs Work?

On: 11:27 PM By: Rokey 1 comments

Meal replacement weight loss programs have become increasing popular in the battle of the bulge and even for those who are simply looking to maintain their current weight or need a quick meal on the go. Meal replacement programs include not only shakes, but also nutritious snacks in the forms of bars, puddings, soups and even frozen meals that are purchased at your grocery store or delivered to your doorstep. But do they work to help you lose that unwanted weight?

Do Meal Replacement Weight Loss Programs Work to Help Lose Weight?

If meal replacement weight loss programs are used and the directions are followed they are effective in helping to lose weight. They limit caloric intake, most will provide a boost of energy to help you with exercise and additional protein and nutrients necessary to replace fat with lean muscle. By choosing to use a meal replacement instead of skipping a meal you keep your metabolism working which again will aid in weight loss.
How Do Meal Replacement Weight Loss Programs Work?

Meal replacement programs work by supplying the body with nutrients that you might normally receive from eating a good healthy meal. Many will cause you to have a feeling of fullness, helping you to avoid between meal snacking. The use of meal replacement has actually improved the nutritional health of some people because they provide protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals to those who are not able to eat a healthy meal due to medical or time restrictions.

Meal replacement programs are used for many reasons including:
Weight loss without counting calories or measuring portions
Convenience for busy individuals who might otherwise skip a meal
Balanced nutritious meals for those who cannot eat a nutritious meal
They are usually less expensive than diet pills
They provide a feeling of fullness and curb the appetite preventing snacking
Many are useful for diabetics in controlling blood glucose when they are maintaining a carbohydrate or calorie controlled diet because they usually contain little sugar or sugar substitutes.
Do Meal Replacement Weight Loss Programs Work to Keep Weight Off?

Although effective in shedding unwanted weight when you adhere to the program, if you have not made changes to your routine eating habits you will not keep the weight off. While they help you lose the weight, they do not teach you to change unhealthy habits in the foods you choose. If you simply use the program to lose the weight and then return to these unhealthy habits you will regain the weight. They are best used in combination with making lifestyle choices that will help you maintain the weight loss.