People who aren't dieting but don't eat nutritious meals can benefit by substituting an MRS for a typical meal. They are much healthier than an extremely low-calorie diet or an unhealthy fad diet.

Are MRS's Harmful?

It is important to get enough fiber to prevent colon cancer and to prevent constipation. Beware of consuming shakes with unsafe ingredients added to suppress appetite or increase energy unnaturally. When consumed in excess, the high protein content might conceivably lead to complications such as kidney problems. If a person has a lot of weight to lose, it is a good idea to discuss these plans with a nutritionist. In moderation, they are generally considered safe when combined with healthful meals of real and nutritious food.

Are They Effective?

Clinical trials reported in "The Medical Journal of Australia" in 2006 reported clinical trials with weight loss of around 9 to 10 percent of total body weight over 6 to 12 months, and 6 to 8 percent over 1 to 5 years, which compares favorably with other types of diet plans.

And according to a study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," MRS's have been shown to be as effective as medications for maintaining weight loss. MRS diets and those dieting by using a medication called Orlistat were both effective in maintaining weight significantly below control levels over a year period of time.

It is definitely time to take back the image of this handy, beneficial and effective food supplement from its former reputation as the last refuge of the overweight housewife and elderly invalid without an appetite. It can be a successful dieting tool as well as a nutritious meal replacement substitute for those in a hurry.