Meal replacements are pre-packaged meals intended to make it easier and more efficient for an individual to control his or her portion sizes when trying to lose weight. They are available over-the-counter and are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals, and contain around 300 calories or less per serving.

The health and emotional benefits of weight loss are wide ranging which include heart health, bone health and emotional stability. It also has shown to reduce cancer and diabetes risk. Recent research is now linking weight loss with decreased risk of kidney disease and dysfunction.