Meal replacements

Any low calorie prepackaged meal usually in the form of a weight loss drink, soup, bar, or smoothie can be called a meal replacement. One of the 5 proven measures to lose weight, meal replacements with very limited amount of calories while at the same time, restrict the calories to about 800-1500 calories.

If the calories are restricted to a level of 800 calories, it is called Very Low Calorie Diet.

Since the regular meals tend to have many empty calories, meal replacements only have 100-250 calories, fortified with nutrients while at the same time as keeping the empty calories to the minimum.

According to many studies, when used properly under medical supervision, meal replacements are an effective way to lose to weight.

Cost of meal replacements for weight loss
The meal replacements might be a very cost effective way to losing weight as the cost of these weight loss supplements might be similar to or even cheaper than the grocery food costs depending on the weight loss program. The cost of a meal replacement at most W8MD medical weight loss centers] of America's locations can be as low as $2.20 per meal replaced and can be a 15 percent cost saving compared to the average grocery food costs.

Calories in meal replacements
Most meal replacement weight loss products start anywhere from 70 calories to 250 calories, most of them providing just about 100 nutrient rich, but calorie restricted food so that the body's nutritional requirements are met at the same time as restricting the empty calories.

For example, the W8MD medical weight loss centers of America's meal replacements consist of weight loss shakes and drinks that only have about 100 calories each while the weight loss soups have about 70 calories per serving. The weight loss bars from W8MD on the hand have about 160 calories but provide some solid food.

Locations for meal replacement products for losing weight
For a list of the locations where W8MD medical weight loss centers of America's meal replacements are available, please visit the W8MD medical weight loss centers current locations page.

Meal replacement products are regulated as conventional/functional foods and should ideally be used in consultation with a weight loss physician to ensure the nutrient requirements are met so you do not go in to malnutrition or electrolyte imbalances.

Since it is difficult to keep the empty calories out for most people while eating the regular food, meal replacements are a practical, easy to do, proven and cost effective way to lose weight under medical supervision as part of the Very Low Calorie Diet.

External links
 * 800 calorie meal replacements
 * Cost of meal replacements
 * How is obesity treated
 * Best weight loss supplements