Benefits And Risks Of Meal Replacement Shakes

Meal replacement shakes are a great way to lose weight. These are usually liquid shakes that have extra protein and nutrients that are used in place of one or two meals. Many of these are pre-made, so you simply shake and drink. Others are in powder form and you mix with milk or water.

There are many great benefits to using meal replacement shakes, along with proper meals and exercise to help lose weight. These benefits include:

* Convenience

These are convenient to take with you on the go and are also quick to drink, so no matter what your day consists of, you can always find time to drink your meal.

* Control

You can easily control the amount of calories you intake by using meal replacement shakes in your daily routine. All the nutrient information is displayed on the can or box of powder, so you can easily plan your meals.

* Energy

These shakes are packed with nutrients and vitamins that you need to keep your energy up throughout the day. Different shakes have different nutrients, so you should look at different labels to find the best fit for your needs.

Along with the benefits, there are also some risks from using these shakes. These risks include:

* Obesity risk

If you do not use the shakes as described, you could gain weight. These are to be used instead of a meal. If you consume three or more meals and snacks per day, along with drinking these shakes, you could gain more weight.

* Stomach pains

These shakes contain whey, lactose, soy and other products. If you have an intolerance for any of these ingredients, you should not use these shakes, because you could have digestive problems.

* Long-term Safety

There could be some long-term problems from using these shakes. Long-term safety has not been tested and could also have a bad effect on the liver and kidneys.

For the most part, meal replacement shakes are a great way to help you lose weight. If you are concerned about risks, talk to your doctor. Make sure you read all information on the product and follow directions.

Mandi writes health-related topics dedicated for patients who have had laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery to promote proper weight management and healthy lifestyle.