Clinical evaluation of a minimal intervention meal replacement regimen for weight reduction.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simplified weight loss program in which subjects were provided a widely available meal replacement product and its package insert information (Ultra Slim-Fast).


METHODS
Weekly follow-up visits were carried out by non-physician personnel for weight measurement, distribution of product, and completion of a subjective questionnaire. No dietary counseling was provided. A total of 273 of 301 subjects (91%) completed 12 weeks of study. Men lost 50% (from 119 to 108% of ideal body weight) and women lost 35% (from 122 to 111% of ideal body weight) of excess body weight. Thirty-five patients who lost < 9 lbs in 12 weeks were considered non-adherent and were excluded from the next phase of the study during which 238 subjects were followed biweekly.


RESULTS
Despite a $25/week payment for participation nearly 44% of subjects dropped out or were judged non-compliant prior to the end of the study. At 116 weeks, 133 (97 females, 36 males) of 238 subjects remained in the study (44% of the initial population), with average weight loss from baseline of 13.6 +/- 10.5 lb in females and 14.0 +/- 10.5 lb in males.


CONCLUSIONS
The weight loss observed (approximately 10% of body weight) is significant and has been associated with important health benefits particularly for patients with hypertension and non-insulin dependent diabetes. The potential advantages of using meal replacements for mild obesity include wide availability to aid compliance, low cost and minimal professional intervention.
Heber
D
D
Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine 90024-1742.
Ashley
J M
JM
Wang
H J
HJ
Elashoff
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000592:standards*; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*
D008055:Lipids