Effect of balanced low calorie meal replacement formula diet in the management of overweight/obesity and metabolic profile-a retrospective clinical experience report

A balanced low calorie meal replacement (BLC-MR) formula diet has been indicated to manage overweight/obesity and metabolic profile of obese/overweight individuals, thus effectively support in reducing the economic burden of the disease and its consequences. The present retrospective clinical experience report enrolled 5 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without any medication for diabetes. The patients were requested to consume a BLC-MR formula diet for a period of 8 weeks by replacing their breakfast, lunch and dinner. In case they felt hungry at any time of the day during the study period, they were requested to consume cooked vegetables. On day 0 (week 1), measurements of body weight, body mass index, and body fat were performed. Fasting and post prandial blood sugar levels, serum insulin, HOMA-IR and HOMA β% were assessed. These measurements were repeated at end of week 8 after the intervention period was over. All measurements were undertaken using standard methodology. All patients were under strict monitoring of the practicing doctor. BLC-MR formula diet resulted in a significant reduction in body weight (p = 0.004), body mass index (p = 0.0002) as well as body fat percentage (p = 0.008) among patients with diabetes. There were significant improvements in glycaemia showing reduction is fasting (p = 0.011) and postprandial blood sugar levels (p = 0.012). Serum insulin levels (p = 0.044) significantly reduced. Significant improvements were also observed in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.029) and β cell function (HOMA% β; p = 0.008). These results indicate that managing overweight/obesity through BLC-MR formula diet not only accomplishes its primary function of managing weight status, but also supports diabetes management. More studies with larger sample size are required to confirm the results.