Metabolic and Weight Loss Effects of Long-term Dietary Intervention in Obese Patients: Four-year Results

Flechtner-Mors M, et al. Obes Res. 2000;8:399-402.

Objective

To investigate the contribution of meal and snack replacements for long-term weight maintenance and risk factor reduction in obese patients.

Methods

The study design and results of the 2-year intervention were previously reported (Ditschuneit et al. Am J Clin Nutr.1999; 69: 198-204). Seventy-five percent (60 females and 15 males) of the original study population were evaluated at the end of 4 years.

Results

At year 4 (51 months), total mean weight loss was 3.2 ± 0.08% for the control group and 8.4 ± 0.08% for the meal replacement (MR, Slim·Fast) group. Both groups showed significant improvements (P<0.001) in blood glucose (13% and 12%) and insulin (31% and 38%) but only the subjects in the MR group demonstrated significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (1% vs 9%) and triacylglycerol levels (32% vs 42%) when compared with baseline values (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Structured vitamin- and mineral-fortified liquid meal replacements are safe, effective dietary options for long-term weight loss in overweight and obese patients. After 4 years of sustained weight maintenance, patients experienced improvements in critical biomarkers of disease risk.

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