The Claim
In obese adults aged 59.3 ± 9.1 years, a 12-week hypocaloric meal replacement program was associated with a significant increase in rectus femoris muscle area and muscle thickness, despite concurrent reductions in body weight and fat mass.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In older obese adults, a 12-week low-calorie meal replacement diet led to measurable increases in thigh muscle size and thickness, even as overall body weight and fat decreased.
See the scientific wording
In obese adults aged 59.3 ± 9.1 years, a 12-week hypocaloric meal replacement program was associated with a significant increase in rectus femoris muscle area (from 4.40 ± 0.6 cm² to 5.86 ± 0.4 cm², p = 0.04) and muscle thickness (from 1.70 ± 0.3 cm to 2.32 ± 0.3 cm, p = 0.03), despite concurrent reductions in body weight and fat mass, suggesting that muscle preservation may occur during weight loss with this dietary approach.
When calories are reduced but protein intake is maintained, the body shifts to using fat for energy instead of breaking down muscle. This keeps muscle proteins from being destroyed and allows new muscle proteins to be made, making the muscle thicker.
What the research says
1 studyIn older adults with obesity, swapping one meal a day with a special shake for 12 weeks made their thigh muscles thicker, even though they lost weight and fat. This means the diet didn’t just shrink them—it helped their muscles grow or stay strong.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.