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Weight losses with low-energy formula diets in obese patients with and without type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

W. Leslie, R. Taylor, Leanne Harris, M. Lean

International Journal of Obesity, 2015

569 participants · 76 citations

Abstract

Aim:To provide a systematic review, of published data, to compare weight losses following very low calorie (800 kcal per day LELD) diets, in people with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:Systematic electronic searches of Medline (1946–2015) and Embase (1947–2015) to identify published studies using formula total diet replacement diets (VLCD/LELD). Random effects meta-analysis using weighted mean difference (WMD) in body weight between groups (with and without diabetes) as the summary estimate.Results:Final weight loss, in the five included studies, weighted for study sizes, (n=569, mean BMI=35.5–42.6 kg/m2), was not significantly different between participants with and without T2DM: −1.2 kg; 95% CI: −4.1 to 1.6 kg). Rates of weight loss were also similar in the two groups −0.6 kg per week (T2DM) and 0.5 kg per week (no diabetes), and for VLCD (800 kcal per day).Conclusions:Weight losses with liquid-formula diets are very similar for VLCD and LELD and for obese subjects with or without T2DM. They can potentially achieve new weight loss/ maintenance targets of >15–20% for people with severe and medically complicated obesity.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 569 participants or records.

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