Unlock the Secret to Rapid Weight Loss: Proven Strategies That Actually Work!

Ensure is a nutritional supplement designed to help individuals meet their nutritional needs, especially when consuming enough solid foods becomes challenging. It's often considered by children, older adults, or people at risk of malnutrition, such as those with cancer or eating or digestive disorders. But can Ensure also play a role in weight loss?

What is Ensure?

Abbott Nutrition launched Ensure, its first ready-to-drink shake, in 1973. Today, Ensure has over 10 different shakes. Most are certified kosher, halal, or both, meaning they comply with the dietary practices of Jewish and Islamic law, respectively.

Ensure shakes can be divided into categories:

Complete, balanced nutrition: Includes Ensure Original and Ensure Plus, meant to help maintain or gain weight.
Advanced nutrition: Includes Ensure Enlive, intended to support muscle, bone, heart, immune, and digestive health.
Targeted nutrition: Includes Ensure Light (a low-calorie shake), Ensure Max Protein, Ensure High Protein, and Ensure Plant-Based Protein, designed to help build muscle.
Specialty therapeutic nutrition: Includes Ensure Surgery, Ensure Pre-Surgery, and Ensure Compact, designed to support your health before and after surgery.

Can Ensure Help with Weight Loss?

The question of whether Ensure can aid in weight loss is complex. While Ensure products are not specifically designed for weight loss, certain formulations and dietary strategies may contribute to this goal.

Evidence from Studies

One small study explored the effects of a diet incorporating meal replacement shakes on weight loss. Participants, who were overweight or had obesity, followed a diet that included two meal replacement shakes per day, one whole food meal, and three to five whole food snacks. This regimen totaled 1,200 to 1,600 calories daily. The meal replacement shakes used in the study contained 240 calories, 9 g fat, 24 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, and 20 g protein per serving and were sweetened with monk fruit, containing no sugar. Over the 60-day study, participants lost an average of about 6.5 pounds and didn’t report a significant increase in hunger despite reducing their calorie intake.

Read also: A Guide to Ensure Drinks

Comparison to Ensure Products

It's important to note that the meal replacement shakes used in the study had a specific nutritional profile. While Ensure Max Protein has a somewhat similar macronutrient profile with 30 g protein, 1 g sugar, and 4 g fiber, it only has 150 calories. Crucially, Ensure Max Protein hasn’t been studied in a clinical trial to determine whether people would lose weight or feel satiated like the participants in the aforementioned study.

How Ensure Might Contribute to Weight Loss

Calorie Control: Replacing higher-calorie meals with lower-calorie Ensure shakes can contribute to an overall calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.
Protein Content: Ensure Max Protein contains a high amount of protein (30g per serving). Increased protein intake can help promote satiety, reduce hunger, and preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss.
Meal Replacement: Using Ensure as a meal replacement can simplify portion control and reduce the likelihood of unhealthy food choices.

Considerations

Nutritional Completeness: While Ensure can provide essential nutrients, it's important to ensure that your overall diet is balanced and includes a variety of whole foods.
Sustainability: Relying solely on meal replacement shakes for weight loss may not be sustainable long-term. It's crucial to develop healthy eating habits that can be maintained after reaching your weight loss goals.
Individual Needs: Weight loss strategies should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you create a personalized plan.

Comparing Ensure and Boost

Ensure and Boost are two popular nutritional supplement brands with a wide range of products designed to help you gain weight, build muscle, or tend to your specific nutritional needs. Some of Ensure’s and Boost’s shakes are designed to help you achieve the same goal.

Most of the products that serve the same purpose are nutritionally similar and can likely be used interchangeably. For instance, both Original shakes provide virtually the same amount of protein, fiber, and fat, and their main difference is Boost’s additional 8 grams of carbs. The same goes for both Plus shakes, among which the major difference is the extra 6 grams of carbs in Ensure’s version. As for both brand’s high protein products, Ensure Max Protein and Boost Max provide virtually the same amount of nutrients. However, Boost’s High Protein shake packs a significantly higher number of calories and more carbs and sugar than the Ensure counterpart.

Regarding their micronutrient content, both brands cover over 20 vitamins and minerals per shake. Most also provide over 20% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI), which is considered to be a high percentage. Still, in some cases, you may find differences in micronutrient quantities of up to 60%.

Aside from the previous products, both brands offer an additional set of shakes that target very particular but completely different needs. As such, they have quite specific nutritional compositions. These include Ensure’s Surgery, Pre-Surgery, and Compact shakes, as well as Boost’s Glucose Control, Mobility, Men, and Women shakes.

Ensure and Boost have multiple nutritionally similar shakes, allowing you to use them interchangeably. However, when it comes to specialized nutrition, their available products - and their nutritional values - differ greatly.

Best Shake When It Comes to Protein

Protein is one of the three macronutrients - along with fats and carbs. Together they provide your body with energy, but they also possess specific functions. For instance, proteins are the building blocks of the body, and as such, they help build muscle, among other things.

Its RDI is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight. Nevertheless, research suggests that higher protein intakes of up to 1 gram per pound (2.4 grams per kg) of body weight may help you gain muscle, lose weight, or even achieve both at the same time when combined with resistance training.

Both Ensure and Boost shakes may help you increase your daily protein intake. Adding their products to your diet may provide you an additional 9-30 grams of protein, depending on which shake you choose. If you’re looking to significantly increase your protein intake without increasing your carb and fat intakes, either Ensure Max Protein or Boost Max may be your best choice.

Best Shake for Weight Gain

If you’re looking to gain weight, you need to create a daily calorie surplus, which is achieved by consuming more calories than your body burns. To do so healthily, you should increase your overall macronutrient intake - carbs, proteins, and fats. While binging on refined carbs and sugary foods will also lead to weight gain, doing so will be detrimental to your health in the long run.

The number of extra calories you need to gain weight depends on your age, sex, height, current weight, and physical activity levels. For a healthy weight gain of 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) per week, consume an additional 500 calories per day. Still, most of Ensure and Boost shakes may help you reach your increased calorie and nutrient needs, with both brands’ Plus options and Ensure’s Enlive shake being the most nutrient-dense choices. Note that you’ll be able to achieve a calorie surplus more easily if you consume them with your meals or as a snack instead of drinking them as a meal replacement. This is because swapping a full meal with a 350-calorie shake will hardly lead to the extra calories needed.

Best Shake for Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by constantly high blood sugar levels, and it affects 1 in every 4 people over 65 years old in the United States. Boost offers two ready-to-drink shakes explicitly designed to produce a lower blood sugar response in people with diabetes - Boost Glucose Control and Boost Glucose Control High Protein. The first packs 16 grams of carbs, of which 4 grams are from added sugars, while the second provides just 4 grams of carbs with no added sugars - and a higher protein content. As for Ensure, the brand doesn’t have shakes specifically designed for people with diabetes. However, Abbott Nutrition has an additional product line called Glucerna for those who need to manage their blood sugar levels.

Best Shake for Older Adults

Older adults are at risk of malnutrition, which might be caused or worsened by poor appetite, chewing problems, dry mouth, and a decline in sense of smell, among other things. Therefore, a common strategy to improve their nutritional status is to provide them with small, tasty, nutrient- and protein-rich meals. As nutritional supplements specially designed for adults, both Ensure and Boost may help cover older adults’ increased nutritional needs. Deciding which shake is best depends on a person’s particular needs. If the intention is to obtain as many calories and nutrients as possible, Ensure Enlive and Boost Plus may be the best options.

Best Shake for Children

Both Ensure and Boost products are intended and designed for adults. In fact, Abbott Nutrition has other product lines intended for infants, kids, and teens - including EleCare, Similac, and Pediasure. The same goes for Nestlé, which has the following brands intended for children: Alfamino, Althéra, Alfaré, Garden of Life, Modulen, Peptamen, and Vitaflo. Therefore, it’s best to look for an alternative among those brands to find a product that fits your child’s needs.

Potential Side Effects

Ensure and Boost shakes may cause side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and flatulence. However, user reports indicate that most of them go away when consumed consistently. Other reported side effects include muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. When it comes to the use of common blood-thinning drugs like Warfarin among older adults, it would be best to avoid either brands’ products, as most of them pack over 20% of the RDI for vitamin K. High doses of vitamin K may cause drug-food interactions that decrease Warfarin’s ability to prevent the formation of blood clots. Lastly, most of Ensure’s and Boost’s products are a good choice for people with lactose intolerance. However, they’re not safe for those with galactosemia, a genetic disorder characterized by the inability to convert galactose into glucose. Both brands’ products are also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Ingredients in Ensure

The ingredients in Ensure drinks vary depending on the specific product. Common ingredients include:

Water
Corn Maltodextrin
Sugar
Milk Protein Concentrate
Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn)
Soy Protein Isolate
Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali) (in some flavors)

Common Questions About Ensure

Are Ensure products sugar-free? Not all Ensure products are sugar-free, but some, like Ensure Max Protein, have very low sugar content.
Are Ensure products for diabetics? Ensure doesn't have shakes specifically designed for people with diabetes, but Abbott Nutrition offers Glucerna for those who need to manage their blood sugar levels. Boost offers Boost Glucose Control and Boost Glucose Control High Protein.
Are Ensure products lactose-free? Most Ensure products are suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
Does Ensure help you gain weight? Certain Ensure products, like Ensure Original and Ensure Plus, are designed to help you maintain or gain weight.
Are Ensure products gluten-free? Yes, all Ensure shakes are gluten-free.
Can Ensure products be warmed or frozen? Follow product-specific instructions for warming or freezing.
Once opened, how long can Ensure products be kept out at room temperature? In the refrigerator? Follow product-specific instructions for storage.
Can Ensure products be mixed with fruit? What impact does this have on the nutritional value? Mixing with fruit can add nutrients and flavor, but it will also change the overall nutritional profile.
What should I do with Ensure packaging once I am done? Recycle the packaging if possible.
How many Ensure Enlive shakes are recommended per day? Follow product-specific instructions for recommended daily intake.
What is HMB, a unique ingredient in Ensure Enlive? HMB (hydroxymethylbutyrate) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine that may help preserve muscle mass.
How many bottles of Ensure High Protein are recommended per day? Follow product-specific instructions for recommended daily intake.
Is Ensure Clear complete, balanced nutrition like other Ensure products? If not, why not? Ensure Clear is not a complete source of nutrition and is designed for specific needs.
Would the dyes in Ensure Clear show up as blood in a colonoscopy? Consult with your doctor regarding any concerns about Ensure Clear and medical procedures.
Does one 4oz Ensure Compact bottle have the same nutrition as one 8oz bottle of Original? How is Compact different than other Ensure products? Ensure Compact is a concentrated formula, so a smaller volume provides similar nutrition to a larger volume of Ensure Original.
Does Ensure Original Powder have the same nutritional content as Ensure ready-to-drink? Can milk be used instead of water in Ensure Original Powder? Check the product label for nutritional information. Milk can be used instead of water, but this will alter the nutritional content.
What is Ensure Surgery and what does it do? Why is Ensure Surgery important? How should I drink Ensure Surgery shakes? Why does Ensure Surgery have so many calories and carbohydrates? Ensure Surgery is designed to provide nutrition before and after surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What is Ensure Pre-Surgery and what does it do? Why is Ensure Pre-Surgery important? Why can’t I use Ensure® Clear for preoperative carbohydrate loading? Ensure Pre-Surgery is designed to provide carbohydrates before surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions.
How does Ensure Max Protein compare to Ensure High Protein? How many servings of Ensure Max Protein are recommended per day? Ensure Max Protein has a higher protein content. Follow product-specific instructions for recommended daily intake.
Can pregnant or lactating women use Ensure Max Protein? Can a person with renal failure or chronic kidney disease use Ensure Max Protein? Consult with your doctor before using Ensure Max Protein if you are pregnant, lactating, or have a medical condition.
Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein Non-GMO? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein organic? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein gluten-free? Refer to the product label for information on these attributes.
Is the protein in Ensure Plant-Based Protein a complete protein? Is the protein in Ensure Plant-Based Protein high-quality with all essential amino acids? What are the protein sources of Ensure Plant-Based Protein? What are fava beans? Why were fava beans chosen for Ensure Plant-Based Protein instead of other plant-based protein sources? Refer to the product information for details on the protein content.
What sweeteners are in Ensure Plant-Based Protein? Does Ensure Plant-Based Protein contain corn? What are carriers? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein milk-free? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein suitable for people with lactose intolerance? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein suitable for a vegan and/or vegetarian diet/lifestyle? Is there any caffeine in Ensure Plant-Based Protein? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein halal? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein kosher? Is Ensure Plant-Based Protein manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts or tree nuts? Refer to the product label for specific information on ingredients and suitability for different diets.
Can Ensure Plant-Based Protein be used as sole-source nutrition? Is there a limit on how many Ensure Plant-Based Protein I can drink per day? Can pregnant or lactating women drink Ensure Plant-Based Protein? Are the storage guidelines for Ensure Plant-Based Protein the same as for other Ensure shakes? Can Ensure Plant-Based Protein be tube-fed? Where is Ensure Plant-Based Protein available? Will there be an institutional version of Ensure Plant-Based Protein? How does the Ensure Plant-Based Protein Great Taste Guarantee work? What is its osmolality of Ensure Plant-Based Protein? How does Ensure Plant-Based Protein compare to Ensure Original? Did you change the strawberry and creamy peach Ensure? Refer to the product information for details on these aspects.

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