The effect of total and partial meal replacements on obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the effects of MRs on body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumferences (WC), and leptin. A systematic search was conducted in five databases using established keywords. The random-effects model analysis was used to provide pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seventy studies were included in this article. The pooled findings showed that body weight (WMD: −3.35 kg, 95% CI: −4.28 to −2.42), BMI (WMD: −1.12 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.72, p Consequently, it appears that MRs, along with other lifestyle factors, can lead to significant weight loss.