Perceived Benefits and Side Effect of High-Fiber, High-Protein Meal Replacements in Weight Loss Programs

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and early mortality. Although dietary counseling is essential in managing obesity, maintaining a calorie deficit and preventing weight regain remain difficult. Functional foods like high-protein, high-fiber meal replacements may enhance adherence and support weight loss. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the subjective outcomes of a weight loss program incorporating a protein- and fiber-enriched meal replacement among 73 overweight women aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=38), receiving dietary counseling plus one daily meal replacement, or a control group (n=35), receiving counseling alone. Both groups followed an 8-week calorie-restricted diet. Only 39 participants completed the study. The intervention group lost significantly more weight (-3.4 kg) compared to the control group (-2.4 kg), after adjusting for confounders (p=0.047). While perceived health benefits and challenges were similar across groups, more intervention participants reported reduced fatigue and greater ease in following the program. The most cited advantages of meal replacement were convenience, reduced hunger, easier intake tracking, and better bowel movements. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and constipation, were noted in both groups. These findings suggest that high-protein, high-fiber meal replacements may offer a practical and acceptable aid in short-term weight loss efforts.