Energy balance
A structured weight management program using Total Diet Replacement (TDR) with a hypocaloric formula diet (approx. 850 kcal/day) for 3-5 months induces significant weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) remission in South Asian populations, comparable to outcomes in white European cohorts.
For South Asians with recent Type 2 Diabetes, a strict, short-term (3-5 month) program using a ~850 kcal/day formula diet can reverse the disease. This involves replacing all food with formula, stopping diabetes meds under supervision, and then slowly reintroducing real food. It works similarly for South Asians as it does for white Europeans, primarily by reducing liver fat through significant weight loss.
In UK-based South Asians, TDR-led weight loss and T2D remission rates are comparable to those observed in white cohorts, and the intervention was acceptable in most of those recruited.
Why this rating
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with a small sample size (n=25) and pandemic-related protocol modifications.
Source
Dietary weight-management for type 2 diabetes remissions in South Asians: the South Asian diabetes remission randomised trial for proof-of-concept and feasibility (STANDby)
Naveed Sattar et al. · The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia · 2022
DOI 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100111
Related findings · Energy balance
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