By Kevin Greene, Medical Scientist, Nutritionist and Managing Director of Almased,
For people looking to manage blood sugar or lose weight, the available options have changed significantly in just a few years. Alongside structured nutrition programmes, medications such as GLP-1 injections have transformed treatment strategies.
A systematic review comparing formula diet programmes and GPL-1 medications shows that both approaches can be effective tools. But they work in different ways, and the right choice often depends on your lifestyle, health goals, and personal preferences.
So how do you know which option might be the best choice for you? As Diabetes Week approaches, we have compared the two options, and here are some of the key differences to consider.
1. Both approaches can improve blood sugar and support weight loss
The first thing to understand is that both strategies can have a positive impact. Clinically proven formula diet programmes (such as the Almased wellness shake plan) and modern diabetes medications have both been shown to lower blood sugar levels and help people lose weight. Control group studies show that structured formula diet programmes often lead to greater overall weight loss, whereas medications, particularly GLP-1-based drugs, can deliver compelling short-term improvements in blood sugar control.
In other words, both approaches can play an important role in managing metabolic health.
2. Formula diets are designed as a short-term reset
Formula diet programmes are typically recommended as a short, structured reset, rather than a permanent way of eating.
These programmes tend to last around 8–12 weeks, during which shakes are used as total or partial meal replacements. After that initial phase, regular foods are gradually reintroduced alongside the shakes, and the focus shifts to a long-term maintenance plan.
This often includes continuing with one shake per day alongside balanced meals, a higher protein intake, and regular physical activity. The long-term results depend heavily on how consistently someone follows that maintenance plan once the intensive phase ends.
3. Diabetes medications are usually taken long-term
Unlike formula diets, most modern diabetes medications are designed to be used over a much longer period of time.
The jobs are typically prescribed for years rather than weeks. One of the potential challenges is that many people experience weight regain or rising blood sugar levels if the medication is stopped, particularly if healthy lifestyle habits have not been established alongside taking the medication.
For this reason, medications are often recommended as part of an ongoing management strategy rather than just a short-term intervention.
4. Lifestyle, side effects, and cost all play a role
Choosing between these approaches is not just about their effectiveness. Practical factors matter too.
Formula diet programmes can require a strong level of motivation and commitment, particularly in the early stages when meals are replaced with shakes. Some people also find the structured nature of the program hard to adapt to at first.
However, nutritionally complete formula diets have fewer systemic side effects. Medications can sometimes feel easier to begin because they do not require a complete dietary overhaul on day one. But the potential nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, and in some cases, more serious issues can be off-putting or tricky to manage. Cost can also be a barrier, especially with newer injectable medications.
5. The best option depends on your situation
There is no single solution that works for everyone. A formula diet programme may suit motivated people who want to pursue a non-drug or lower-drug approach, and are willing to follow a structured plan that includes a maintenance phase afterwards.
Medication may be the better foundation for people with more advanced diabetes or existing complications such as heart or kidney disease, or for those who cannot safely follow a strict low-energy diet.
For many people, the most realistic strategy may involve elements of both approaches. A short formula diet or medication phase can act as a kick-start, followed by a longer-term routine focused on sustainable healthy eating, movement, and lifestyle habits.
Ultimately, the most effective plan is the one you and your healthcare team can maintain over the long term.
Almased® is available on Amazon, as well as Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and green cross pharmacies across the UK. From £20.95.
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
