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. 2016 Jun;26(6):1343-51.
doi: 10.1007/s11695-016-2167-3.

Commercial Very Low Energy Meal Replacements for Preoperative Weight Loss in Obese Patients: a Systematic Review

Lynda J Ross  1   2 , Siobhan Wallin  3 , Emma J Osland  3   4 , Muhammed Ashraf Memon  5   6   7   8   9
Affiliations

Commercial Very Low Energy Meal Replacements for Preoperative Weight Loss in Obese Patients: a Systematic Review

Lynda J Ross et al. Obes Surg. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Background: This systematic review assessed feasibility and effectiveness of preoperative meal replacements to improve surgical outcomes for obese patients.

Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed and electronic databases searched for articles between January 1990 and March 2015.

Results: Fifteen studies (942 participants including 351 controls) were included, 13 studies (n = 750) in bariatric patients. Adverse effects and dropout rates were minimal. Ten out of 14 studies achieved 5-10 % total weight loss. Six of six studies reporting liver volume achieved 10 % reduction. Endpoints for perioperative risks and outcomes were too varied to support definitive risk benefit.

Conclusions: Commercial meal replacements are feasible, have minimal side effects and facilitate weight loss and liver shrinkage in free-living obese patients awaiting elective surgery. A reduction in surgical risk is unclear.

Keywords: Meal replacements; Preoperative weight loss; Surgical outcomes; Very low energy diet.

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