Can a Meal Supplement Help Lose Weight?

Certainly, they do say experts and in a much dramatic way than otherwise perceived. To understand how meal supplements help lose weight, it is essential to first understand what meal supplements are. Experts are of the opinion that a “meal supplement” is a flavored powder which contains essential nutrients required to meet the daily needs of the body.

Therefore, meal supplements are a quick and convenient way to introduce essential proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals into your body. Meal replacements supplements are available in the form of powder, bars or shakes.

For an obese dieter, meal supplements in the form of flavored powder work wonders for losing weight effectively. A dieter on a “meal supplement” or “Liquid diet” is not allowed to eat solid food for a few weeks. In addition, every meal (whether one or two) is replaced effectively by a particular “meal supplement”. The basic idea of meal supplements is — “to help lose weight and to remain both lean and fit”.

Experts suggest that an obese person is most likely to lose about 3-4 kilos at a dramatic pace. However, as meal supplements help one lose weight so quickly, medical administration and supervision is very essential. Routine check-ups and follow-up is important because the body is undergoing such rapid changes within such less time. Hence, regular feedback of the dieter’s blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood chemistry need to be sought to ensure that the person is suffering from no medical complication.

Side Effects of Liquid Diets or Meal Supplements
While being on a liquid diet or meal supplements can help you lose weight quickly and effectively, it comes with a few side effects as these listed below:

• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Chills
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Depression

Experts opine that meal supplements or liquid diets are not enough to keep weight off permanently. Instead, it is the willingness to change” which alone can help you lose weight effectively. Hence, relying completely on external help, doctors, etc is not the solution but the want to change your eating behavior and patterns in order to achieve long-term success in treating the underlying cause or causes of obesity.