It would be appropriate to recommend the use of meal replacements for weight loss to a client who:

It would be appropriate to recommend the use of meal replacements for weight loss to a client who:

• A. has no more than 20 pounds to lose.
• B. has difficulty with portion control.
• C. habitually eats late at night.
• D. does not engage in physical activity.

Answer: (B)

Meal replacements help control intake by providing fixed portions and a known calorie content, which makes daily energy intake predictable and reduces the tendency to overeat. This is especially helpful for someone who has difficulty with portion control, because it removes the guesswork about how much to eat and creates a reliable path to a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Implemented as part of a structured plan, substituting one or two meals can jump-start weight loss and help establish consistent eating patterns while ensuring essential nutrients are still consumed. Other scenarios—such as needing to lose only a small amount, dealing with late-night snacking, or lacking physical activity—may benefit from additional strategies, but the direct advantage of meal replacements is most evident for someone who struggles to gauge portions.

Meal replacements help control intake by providing fixed portions and a known calorie content, which makes daily energy intake predictable and reduces the tendency to overeat. This is especially helpful for someone who has difficulty with portion control, because it removes the guesswork about how much to eat and creates a reliable path to a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Implemented as part of a structured plan, substituting one or two meals can jump-start weight loss and help establish consistent eating patterns while ensuring essential nutrients are still consumed. Other scenarios—such as needing to lose only a small amount, dealing with late-night snacking, or lacking physical activity—may benefit from additional strategies, but the direct advantage of meal replacements is most evident for someone who struggles to gauge portions.