Yes, you can trust Slimming foods for weight loss/ weight control - Results of a consumption study conducted at national level
Brussels, 12th September 2019: Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE), representing the specialised nutrition industry across the European Union, including manufacturers of foods intended to weight control/ loss, welcomes the application of the new EU rules[1] on meal replacements for weight control on Saturday 14 September. Three years after its adoption, these new rules will now apply across Europe, ensuring efficient and safe weight control or weight loss for the consumers using these foods. From Saturday onwards, meal replacements for weight control shall comply with these new EU rules, requiring an important energy restriction (200kcal - max. 250 kcal) for the formulation of these products, while providing adequate macro- and micro-nutrients intakes.
SNE would like to take this opportunity to highlight the results of a recent study carried out at French level, confirming the effectiveness of meal replacements on weight loss and weight maintenance.
For the first time, a consumption and observational consumption study to assess the effectiveness of meal replacements for weight control was carried out by our sector[2]. This study was conducted between June 2017 and January 2018 and it involved 112 consumers willing to lose or control their weight, during a 30-day test and a follow-up after 6 months. The objectives of this study were triple: from testing the effectiveness of the products in terms of weight loss and maintenance, to the observance of possible changes in consumers’ eating behaviours and finally to analyse consumers’ quality of life and mood.
Significant results were observed, both in terms of weight loss and improved or stabilised nutritional status. Besides these physical effects, consumers felt better in their body and appreciated the easiness to use MRs. Last but not least, the study shows that six months after the use of MRs, 60% of consumers adopted a better lifestyle (healthier meals; attention to in-store purchases and more physical activity) and paid more attention to their weight control.
SNE welcomes these very encouraging results on the effectiveness of MRs. As lifestyles become more nomadic and consumers aspire to a healthier diet, meal replacements for weight control are one of the appropriate and safe tools available to consumers intending to lose or control their weight, without any deficiency in essential nutrients.
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Notes to editors:
- Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) is the voice of the specialised nutrition industry across Europe. SNE members are the national associations of 19 European countries including a majority of EU states and their members are the companies producing tailor made dietary solutions for populations with very specific nutritional needs. These include: infants and young children, patients under medical supervision, sportspeople, overweight and obese consumers, and those suffering from coeliac disease.
- Meal replacements for weight control are covered by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1413 of 24 August 2016 amending Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and health, laying down the requirements for the two authorized meal replacement for weight control claims, including specific composition criteria.
- For further information and clarity about the recent EU regulatory changes for Meal Replacements for Weight Control, please consult the SNE Guidance on Meal Replacements for Weight Control.
[1] Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1413 of 24 August 2016 amending Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and health
[2] French dietetic food industry sector – under the umbrella of the French Specialised nutrition industry federation (SFNS) (see HERE)
