Research

Mixed

A commercial weight-loss program utilizing portion-controlled meal replacements (MRs) combined with one-on-one behavioral support produces therapeutic weight loss (≥5% baseline) and improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar (D/HBS) to a degree equivalent to those without these conditions.

If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, a structured program using meal replacements and weekly counseling can help you lose weight just as effectively as it does for people without diabetes. Focus on the 800-1500 calorie meal plans provided, which include enough protein to protect your muscle, and attend your weekly counseling sessions to stay on track. You can expect to lose around 14% of your body weight over 24 weeks, which is a therapeutic amount that improves heart health markers.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Adults who were overweight/obese and with D/HBS following a commercial weight-loss program incorporating MRs and one-on-one behavioral support achieved therapeutic weight loss. The program was equally effective for weight loss and reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with and without D/HBS.
Christopher D. Coleman et al. · Nutrition and Diabetes · 2017

Why this rating

Retrospective chart review with self-reported diabetes status and lack of laboratory glycemic data limits causal certainty, though sample size is large.

Source

Comparative effectiveness of a portion-controlled meal replacement program for weight loss in adults with and without diabetes/high blood sugar

Christopher D. Coleman et al. · Nutrition and Diabetes · 2017

DOI 10.1038/nutd.2017.32

cohort · n=816Cited 6×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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