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NEW STUDY OFFERS INSIGHT INTO WEITH MANAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES
Study Released at the 2003 Experimental Biology Conference Suggests Soy Protein-Based Meal Replacements May be an Option for Sustainable Weight Loss for Type-II Diabetics

SAN DIEGO – April 14, 2003 – A new study out of the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), released at the 2003 Experimental Biology “Translating the Genome” Conference, suggests that soy protein-based meal replacements may be a viable option for sustainable weight loss while also helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease for people with type-II diabetes.

The study, conducted by renowned obesity expert and director of the UCLA Clinical Nutrition Research Division, Dr. David Heber, suggests soy protein-based meal replacements were found to be safe and effective in producing weight loss that was significant in terms of reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The findings were based on replacing two meals per day with the soy protein-based meal replacements (Slim-Fast or commercially known as Slim-Fast with Soy Protein) in patients with type-2 diabetes.

In addition, when compared to traditional, individualized exchange diets, the soy protein-based meal replacement program resulted in greater weight loss after a one-year period. This suggests a more sustainable and long-term loss of weight for those participants consuming Slim-Fast. Specifically, participants who consumed soy protein-based meal replacements experienced a 5.5 percent weight loss compared to baseline after one year. Those participants adhering to individualized diet instruction experienced a 2.2 percent weight loss compared to baseline after one year – a statistically significant difference.

Soy protein-based meal replacement consumption also was effective in lowering levels of glycated hemoglobin – a measure of blood sugar control. Glycated hemoglobin is an indicator commonly used to assess the degree of blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Higher levels of glycated hemoglobin indicate poor blood glucose management, whereas lower levels of glycated hemoglobin indicate better blood glucose management. In the study, participants who consumed soy protein-based meal replacements had lower levels of glycated hemoglobin.

Furthermore, participants who consumed soy protein-based meal replacements required less medication for glycemic control and hypertension, when compared to the participants following the individualized diet instruction.

Entitled “Randomized prospective trial of meal replacement versus individualized diet plans for weight management in obese type 2 DM patients,” the study was discussed during a poster session (#197.5) Saturday, April 12, 2003 at the Experimental Biology Conference.

Soy protein is effective in supporting healthy weight loss while maintaining heart health. The body of evidence around the heart health benefits of soy protein is so significant that the Food and Drug Administration released a claim stating, “25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” The United Kingdom’s Joint Health Claims Initiative recently approved a similar health claim. And results from a meta-analysis of 38 clinical studies concluded that soy protein consumption resulted in a significant reduction in total blood cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol – an important factor in maintaining heart health.

About Slim-Fast
Slim-Fast Foods Company, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, is committed to the development of wholesome and balanced nutritional products to aid in weight management and improved health. The Slim-Fast product line includes a range of shakes, powders and bars, which are available nationwide in discount stores, drug stores and supermarkets.

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