Key result
Meal replacement therapy reduces systolic blood pressure by ~2.5 mmHg compared to standard diet.
Why the study?
Although some evidence shows beneficial effects of meal replacements on blood pressure and inflammation, comprehensive findings in this field were lacking.
Does meal replacement therapy reduce blood pressure and CRP in overweight or obese adults?
Meta-Analysis
Does meal replacement therapy reduce blood pressure and CRP in overweight or obese adults?
Meal replacement therapy is associated with modest but statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels in overweight or obese individuals.
Supports meal replacement as adjunctive lifestyle therapy for hypertension; extends evidence to include CRP reduction in meta-analysis.
Although some evidence shows the beneficial effects of meal replacement (MR) on blood pressure (BP) and inflammation as one of the main factors of cardiovascular disease, there are still no comprehensive findings in this field.Therefore, we investigate the effects of total and partial MRs on BP and C-reactive protein (CRP) in this comprehensive study and metaanalysis.In order to identify all randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of MRs on BP and CRP levels, a systematic search was conducted in the original databases using predefined keywords.The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using the random-effects model.Forty studies were included in this article.The findings indicated significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD, -2.51 mmHg; 95% CI, -3.48 to -1.54; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -1.43 mmHg; 95% CI, -2.02 to -0.85; P < 0.001), and CRP (WMD, -0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.11; P = 0.012) levels following MR consumption compared to the control group.The findings obtained from the subgroup analysis showed that MRs cause a greater reduction in SBP in people over 50 years of age, and the duration of the intervention ≤ 24 weeks.Also, the subgroup analysis shows the greater effect of DBP and CRP, respectively, in the type of intervention with total meal replacement and less equal to 50 years.In conclusion, it appears that MR, along with other lifestyle factors, can lead to significant improvements in BP and CRP.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fotros et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Overweight or obesity. Meal replacement therapy vs. Standard diet or usual care was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD -2.51, 95% CI -3.48 to -1.54, p=<0.001). Meal replacement therapy significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by a weighted mean difference of -2.51 mmHg, along with reductions in diastolic blood pressure and C-reactive protein, compared to control groups.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: