Why was this study done?
Previous Shaklee studies demonstrated the effectiveness of a meal replacement program for weight loss. This study of employees was designed to further understand the reason for the success of the program by looking at body composition (percent of body protein and fat) and the role of lean body mass in weight loss and maintenance.
What did the study find?
After 12 weeks, participants lost an average of 12.7 lb (or 6.9%) of their initial body weight (p<0.0001). Fat mass was significantly reduced by 16.6 lb (p<0.001) with a concomitant increase of 3.9 lb in fat-free mass (p<0.03). Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly reduced from 31.4 to 29.2 kg/m2 (p<0.0001). Categorical shift in weight classification was observed in 5 out of 14 subjects who were obese at baseline.
Effects of a physician-supervised, structured meal replacement program on body composition and weight loss.
Lau FC, Daggy BP, and McManus JF. American College of Nutrition Proceedings. Presented at the annual conference of the ACN, Orlando, FL, Nov. 11-14, 2015.
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