Research specifically focusing on the SlimFast plan indicates that it can promote weight loss. However, in some cases, it was no more effective than other weight loss aids. All participants had overweight or obesity at the beginning of the study. According to one review of six randomized-controlled trials on SlimFast and similar meal replacement programs, which included a total of participants, such plans can safely and effectively lead to significant and sustainable weight loss.
It is important to note that several of the study authors were affiliated with the SlimFast company. Some research also indicates that the SlimFast plan may effectively help adolescents with obesity lose weight in the short term, though the research found that it may not help them maintain that weight loss.
One study indicates that consuming meal replacement shakes, such as SlimFast, can be a safe and effective way for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes to lose weight and improve their glucose, insulin, and lipid levels. Restricting calories, as well as making certain other lifestyle changes, may also improve heart health and prevent cardiovascular events in people who have overweight or obesity.
Some research also indicates that the SlimFast plan leads to cholesterol changes that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. One of the risks associated with meal replacement plans is the difficulty of maintaining the weight loss in the long term.
However, at least one study suggests that people find meal replacement plans easier to follow than other weight loss programs. This may help people adhere to the plan and achieve or maintain weight loss. When people revert to their regular eating habits, they may regain some or all of the weight they lost. The absence of support from SlimFast, which may accompany other weight loss plans, may also contribute to this weight regain.
Also, for many people, the cost of the SlimFast shakes and snacks can be prohibitive, especially in the long term. Another issue to note is that this diet can become monotonous over time. SlimFast focuses on calorie restriction without emphasizing the importance of consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods. This does not teach people how to form healthful eating habits. Instead, the SlimFast plan relies primarily on heavily processed foods. One study indicates that people who eat a varied diet are less likely to have obesity.
When buying protein and meal replacement shakes, it is important to buy from a reputable brand. A Consumer Reports analysis found that some protein drinks contain unsafe levels of mercury , arsenic , and other contaminants.
Learn more about weight loss meal plans here. Traditional weight loss methods, such as restricting calorie intake or intermittent fasting, can also be effective. Learn more about losing weight here. The SlimFast plan can lead to significant weight loss for some individuals, at least in the short term.
Some potential disadvantages of the diet include the lack of support and the difficulty of sustaining long-term results.
Additionally, it can be expensive to keep purchasing SlimFast products, especially when traditional weight loss methods — such as calorie restriction through counting calories or monitoring portion sizes — may be just as effective as using meal replacement shakes.
Another point to consider is that studies on SlimFast have typically involved participants with overweight or obesity. Therefore, it is difficult to know if people of a moderate weight would lose weight while following the SlimFast plan. There are many weight loss meal plans to choose from. Once they stop drinking the shakes, people tend to go back to eating meals that are significantly higher in calories, and they put the weight back on. Pojednic says. So what can be done to lose weight and maintain that weight loss?
Diet and exercise. For starters, it is made from non-organic whey protein, which is inflammatory and turns into sugar once metabolized. The remainder ingredients are sugar, chemicals, and preservatives, which can definitely can contribute to weight gain. These kinds of weight-loss products, meal-replacement smoothies, and little cheats will always be around in some form.
No Long-Term Maintenance Plan. Once you reach your goal weight , you are advised to slowly decrease your consumption of SlimFast and increase your intake of regular foods. But beyond that, there is no structured plan that helps to transition you off the diet.
No Personalized Support. While there is no personalized nutritional guidance, the program has a Facebook page and provides recipes on the website. These resources may not be enough for some people. Lacks Good Flavor. Not everyone likes the taste of SlimFast. Those interested in trying this diet might benefit from tasting a few different products before buying anything in bulk.
Department of Agriculture's — Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages for a balanced diet. The USDA also advises limiting foods and beverages with higher amounts of added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. While the SlimFast Diet does not restrict any foods, it does restrict all of the recommended foods for two out of three meals each day. Additionally, some SlimFast snacks may be high in sodium and a few shakes contain added sugars.
The diet does not teach important skills, like healthy meal planning and preparing, needed for sustained weight loss. The typical recommendation for calorie intake is approximately 1, calories per day for weight loss, but this number varies based on age, sex, weight, and activity level.
The SlimFast Diet allows for 1, calories a day for women and 1, calories a day for men, which may not be enough calories for some people. Use this calculator to determine the right number of calories for you. As a meal-replacement diet, SlimFast does not meet the USDA's definition of a healthy meal plan since it replaces real, whole foods with shakes containing artificial ingredients and added sugars. SlimFast snacks—though low in calories—are highly processed foods.
The SlimFast diet restricts daily calories and will likely lead to short-term weight loss. However, research shows that meal replacement diets like SlimFast do little to promote long-term weight management. Fortunately, the program does encourage exercise, which is essential to both weight loss and weight maintenance. Still, it might be hard to stick to the diet long enough to meet your weight loss goals.
Replacing meals with shakes can be an unsatisfying experience compared to eating whole foods. Though there are no common health risks or side effects associated with the SlimFast diet, the products are made from processed foods.
Studies continue to show a link between processed foods and chronic diseases, which is why it's not recommended to consume these products for the long term. Additionally, some SlimFast shakes are high in sugar, including added sugar. If you ate a lot of sweets before the diet, you may be tempted to return to these foods.
Research shows that consuming foods high in sugar and saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease. Restricting daily calories to create a calorie deficit can certainly lead to weight loss in the short term, but restrictive diets, in general, are not sustainable eating plans. A healthy diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods combined with regular exercise can be one of the most effective weight loss strategies. If you're not sure what program or diet is best for you, ask your doctor or consult with a nutritionist or registered dietician for advice.
While we do not endorse fad diet trends or unsustainable weight loss methods, we present the facts so you can make an informed decision that works best for your nutritional needs, genetic blueprint, and budget, and goals. Exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors also play a major role in your overall health. The best diet is always the one that is balanced and fits your lifestyle. Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. National Association of Chronic Disease Directors.
Slim Fast Diet. Updated June 7, Meal replacements in the treatment of adolescent obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Best Diets How it works. Slim Fast. What is the average weight loss on the SlimFast Plan? Shop SlimFast. Ultra-processed diets cause excess calorie intake and weight gain: An inpatient randomized controlled trial of ad libitum food intake.
Cell Metab. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Ninth Edition. December Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. Meal replacements, reduced energy density eating, and weight loss maintenance in primary care patients: a randomized controlled trial.
Obesity Silver Spring. The effects of ultra-processed food consumption-is there any action needed? The evidence for saturated fat and for sugar related to coronary heart disease.
0コメント