Differences in the effects of meal replacement products and traditional dietary control on weight control in obese adults: a 90-day randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study evaluated whether meal replacement products offer superior weight loss and metabolic benefits compared to traditional dietary control in Chinese adults with obesity, given the limitations of traditional weight loss methods. Obese patients were randomized to a meal replacement group (MRG, n = 56) or a dietary control group (DCG, n = 48); the MRG consumed formulated products in place of dinner while the DCG were asked to follow traditional methods of restricting energy intake, such as reducing staple food at lunch, both targeting 1200–1300 kcal per day. Body composition and metabolic indicators were assessed at the baseline, 45 and 90 days. At 90 days, both groups showed significant improvements in weight, BMI and body fat percentage (P < 0.001), but the MRG demonstrated significantly greater reductions versus the DCG in weight (−3.81 kg, 95%CI: −5.58, −2.03 kg), BMI (−1.35 kg m⁻², 95%CI: −2.01, −0.68 kg m⁻²) and body fat percentage (−2.15%, 95%CI: −2.94, −1.35%), with sensitivity analyses confirming these findings. The MRG also showed advantages in blood pressure and lipid profiles. Meal replacement represents an effective and practical weight management strategy for Chinese adults with obesity, offering clinically meaningful improvements in adiposity and metabolic health compared to conventional dietary approaches and supporting wider clinical implementation.