Are Meal Replacements a Good, Safe and Healthy Way to Lose Weight?

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 4, 2012

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Just as important as the amount of calories in a safe and effective diet is the make up or composition of those calories. Protein, carbohydrates and fat make up the macronutrients in our diet. Diets with less carbohydrate and more protein, keep metabolism a bit elevated (good effect) as well as turn off most fat storage (also a good effect for weight loss).

Obvious to those who have been on many diets is the fact that the full act of eating includes: shopping, storing, cooking, eating and finally the cleaning up of your food. All of this takes a long time and costs plenty more than we think it does.

Four Benefits of Healthy Meal Replacements:

Low Carbohydrate (but not so low as to achieve true medical ketosis)
Higher Protein (especially in the branched chain amino acids)
Some but not too much fat (usually the essential fats)
Proper portion

Many patients tell me that they know how to diet but just don’t do it. Meal replacements help with dieting and therefore weight loss by giving the proper quantity of carbohydrates (carbs), protein, fat and portion along with the complete assortment of vitamins allowing patients to eat meal replacements exclusively for a period of time. The use of full meal replacements (shakes, soups and bars for all meals) improves health and obviously nutrition with a minimum of effort. Seeing a doctor for your weight loss allows he or she to use the proper mix of meal replacements to compensate for many medical conditions that you may have including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and digestive problems.

A last thought on meal replacements and a big benefit is that weight loss can be rapid. During rapid weight loss there is the possibility of getting yourself into trouble. Obesity medicine physicians should be very knowledgeable of how your body and the current medications that you take will react or respond with weight loss and how to adjust these medicines and support you.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
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