(P20-040-25) A Powdered Meal Replacement Improves Lipid Profiles, Body Composition, and Resting Energy Expenditure in People With Excess Body Weight

Objectives: Excess body weight is associated with metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Meal replacements are commonly used for weight loss, which improves metabolic and inflammation markers. This study aimed to assess the impact of a soy protein-yogurt-honey powdered meal replacement (PMR) on metabolic and inflammatory markers in individuals with excess body weight in absence of weight loss.

Methods: The Premium Study was a 12-week parallel-arm RCT. N=88 adults (18–50 years) with excess body weight (BMI 25–37 kg/m²) were randomized into two groups: control (CON, usual diet) or PMR (adding 50 g of PMR twice daily). Both groups were asked to maintain a stable body weight. Participants attended three study visits at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Outcomes included: inflammation markers (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6]; primary outcome), glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, body composition (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and resting energy expenditure (REE, via whole-room indirect calorimetry). Adherence, dietary intake, and physical activity were monitored.

Results: N=63 participants completed the study (CON n=34; PMR n=29). Participants in PMR group had adherence of 98% (interquartile interval: 96.4–100%), consumed more protein (p < 0.001) and less lipids (p < 0.001) than the CON group. By design, there were no significant changes in body weight. There was a group effect on lean soft tissue (p=0.042), which increased in PMR on week 6 (0.38±0.88 kg, p=0.025) and remained higher than CON until week 12 (p=0.031). Likewise, there was a group effect on REE (p=0.045), which increased in PMR on week 12 (58.3±121.4 kcal/day, p=0.021). Group-time interactions were observed for total cholesterol (p=0.022) and LDL-C (p=0.008) concentrations, both of which reduced in PMR on week 6 (-0.25±0.55 mmol/L, p=0.027; -0.20±0.40 mmol/L, p=0.013, respectively). There were no significant changes in IL-6 and remaining outcomes.

Conclusions: The addition of PMR to the diet improved lipid profiles and increased lean soft tissue and REE in individuals with excess body weight, in absence of weight loss. It is possible that weight loss is needed to improve other health parameters, such as improving glucose regulation and inflammatory markers.

Funding Sources: Almased Wellness GmbH (Bienenbüttel, Germany)