Association of Lifestyle Factors with Meal Replacement Solutions in Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Meal replacement products (MRPs) are increasingly marketed to young adults as convenient alternatives to traditional meals, yet their integration into daily routines raises questions about whether their use is linked to lifestyle determinants or primarily driven by situational and behavioral factors. Prior evidence has suggested that MRPs may support weight management and nutrient intake, but patterns of adoption in low- and middle-income settings remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between lifestyle characteristics and the consumption of MRPs among young adults in Gujrat, Pakistan. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2024 using a structured 28-item survey administered to 153 participants aged 18–24 years without medical education backgrounds. Data were collected on demographics, lifestyle status, physical activity, smoking, meal-skipping behaviors, and MRP usage patterns. Associations between lifestyle variables and MRP consumption were assessed using chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level, with data analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.9 years (SD 2.05), with 54.2% male and 64.7% urban residents. Most participants were physically active (74.5%), yet 35.3% regularly skipped breakfast. One-third (34%) reported consuming MRPs for missed meals, primarily due to cravings (51%) and convenience (15%). Ready-to-eat MRPs were more common (32.7%) than ready-to-cook (9.8%). Lifestyle indicators such as activity level and smoking status showed no significant association with MRP use (p = 0.775), although beliefs reflected uncertainty, with 54.9% perceiving long-term harm. Conclusion: The findings indicate that MRP consumption among young adults is independent of lifestyle determinants and largely driven by behavioral triggers such as cravings and irregular eating patterns. Clinically, MRPs may provide healthier alternatives to junk food but require improved consumer education regarding caloric content and long-term use. Future research should evaluate longitudinal health impacts in larger, diverse populations