Scientific Opinion on the essential composition of total diet replacements for weight control

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the essential composition of total diet replacements for weight control. Total diet replacements for weight control are intended to induce a substantial energy deficit in overweight or obese adults who wish to lose weight and replace the whole diet in the context of energy-restricted diets for weight reduction. In this opinion, the Panel proposed a minimum protein content based on a Population Reference Intake for protein adjusted for the overweight or obese (75 g/day), a minimum carbohydrate content based on the obligatory glucose demands of the brain (30 g/day) and minimum contents of linoleic acid (11 g/day), α-linolenic acid (1.4 g/day) and micronutrients based on reference values established either by the Panel or by other scientific or authoritative bodies. Derived from the minimum content of macronutrients, the Panel proposed a minimum energy content of total diet replacements for weight control of 2 510 kJ/day (600 kcal/day). The Panel also advised on potential conditions and restrictions of use for these products.