What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Obesity Reviews"; Evaluating Commercial Weight Loss Programmes: An Evolution in Outcomes Research; M Hamilton, et al; November 2004
- "Obesity Reviews"; Evaluating Commercial Weight Loss Programmes: An Evolution in Outcomes Research; M Hamilton, et al; November 2004
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Is Slim Fast Bad for You?
Slim Fast is a weight loss supplement designed to help you lose and maintain weight. Products include ready to eat drinks and bars, drink powders, snack bars, ice cream, soup and pasta entrees. When properly used, it is a safe and effective product. It is effective in weight loss and in improving bodily compounds. Overall, it is a weight loss supplement that is not bad for you.
Program Components
There are three components to the Slim Fast program: replacing one to two meals daily with a Slim Fast product, eating nutritious foods for the rest of meals and snacks daily and getting thirty to sixty minutes physical activity each day. When you fully comply with the program, you are able to safely lose and maintain weight. If you do not properly follow the program recommendations, you may increase potential health and weight risks, such as sending your body into starvation mode. You can refer to a dietitian or doctor for further information on the program and proper weight loss plans.
- There are three components to the Slim Fast program: replacing one to two meals daily with a Slim Fast product, eating nutritious foods for the rest of meals and snacks daily and getting thirty to sixty minutes physical activity each day.
- If you do not properly follow the program recommendations, you may increase potential health and weight risks, such as sending your body into starvation mode.
Potential Risks
Ensure Plus Side Effects
Learn More
If you were to consume nothing but Slim Fast shakes, you would consume too few calories per day, which would cause your body to go into starvation mode. When your body is in starvation mode, it harms the body. You start to lose lean muscle tissue and hair growth becomes abnormal. Also, not only do you cause damage to your body, but you are more likely to regain the weight.
- If you were to consume nothing but Slim Fast shakes, you would consume too few calories per day, which would cause your body to go into starvation mode.
- Also, not only do you cause damage to your body, but you are more likely to regain the weight.
Potential Benefits
Slim Fast can be good for you if you follow the proper regimen. As with any weight loss program, physical activity and a balanced diet are important. It takes time to take off the weight. You should aim to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week, which is ideal for weight loss and maintenance. If you properly comply with the program recommendations, you will be on your way to weight loss and maintenance. As an added bonus, you may also benefit from improved insulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels, according to an article published in "Obesity Management" in April 2005 1.
- Slim Fast can be good for you if you follow the proper regimen.
- If you properly comply with the program recommendations, you will be on your way to weight loss and maintenance.
Should You Use Slim Fast?
The Side Effects of Psyllium Husk
Learn More
If you are to follow program guidelines, Slim Fast can be a good option for weight loss and maintenance. There must be a balance between regular physical activity and other nutritious foods. If you are able to either maintain or lose weight by diet and exercise alone, Slim Fast is probably not a reasonable option for you. If you just cannot find the time to prepare nutritiously balanced meals, however, using the Slim Fast diet is not a bad option. Consult your doctor or dietitian before starting the program.
- If you are to follow program guidelines, Slim Fast can be a good option for weight loss and maintenance.
- If you just cannot find the time to prepare nutritiously balanced meals, however, using the Slim Fast diet is not a bad option.
Related Articles
References
- "Obesity Management"; “Commercial Program and Product Review: Slim-Fast”; April 2005.
- "Obesity Reviews"; Evaluating Commercial Weight Loss Programmes: An Evolution in Outcomes Research; M Hamilton, et al; November 2004
- Wadden TA, Butryn ML, Hong PS, Tsai AG. " Behavioral Treatment of Obesity in Patients Encountered in Primary Care Settings: A Systematic Review." JAMA. 2014;312(17):1779-1791.
Writer Bio
Moriah Keiper, R.D., completed her Bachelor of Science in dietetics with a Spanish minor at Viterbo University and is a dietitian for Reinhart Food Service. She has written for organizations such as Winona Health in Winona, Minn. and the Tomah Veterans Association Medical Center in Tomah, Wis. Keiper has also edited and contributed articles for the Viterbo University Dietetics Department newsletter.