Frequently asked questions - MRP
Can I use Meal Replacement Foods when pregnant?

You should talk to your G.P. about weight management when pregnant. NewWeigh MRP foods are not suitable.

Can I just eat 3 Meal Replacement Foods daily and eat no other food?

No. The Meal Replacement Plan (MRP) foods are full of vitamins and minerals but are not nutrient complete. Only Total Diet Replacement TDR is nutrient complete. MRP foods are designed to be used with one light meal a day. The light meal should be less than 500 Calories, ideally from the list of foods in green in the MRP booklet. The amount of weight you will lose depends on what you eat in addition to your MRP foods and your own individual energy usage (TDEE). You should be able to lose 1 to 2 lbs (around 1kg) per week if you keep the calorie content of the additional meal below 500 Calories.

Are there age limits for use of MRP foods?

NewWeigh Meal Replacements are nutrient enriched foods which can be used in adolescence. However we would always advise that dieting under the age of 18 should be carried out in conjunction with the G.P. The G.P. may also recommend the involvement of a dietitian.

Can I breastfeed whilst on MRP?

Calorie restriction may reduce lactation and so your child would need to be weaned before commencing any diet method.

Will my pharmacy weigh me regularly, even if I am not buying any products?

Yes. Your pharmacy will actively encourage you to return for regular free weigh-ins. Supervision and advice from the pharmacy is the ideal way to help manage your new lower weight. You can register with NewWeigh and keep track of your weight. 

Will my raised blood pressure (hypertension) improve when I lose weight using MRP?

Carrying extra weight and the fluid associated often contributes to high blood pressure ( hypertension) . As you lose weight your blood pressure will fall, particularly after the first stone (6kg) of weight loss. If you are taking anti-hypertensive medication whilst dieting it is important that it is reviewed regularly by your G.P.

Do I need to complete a medical questionnaire before using MRP's?

No. If you have a medical condition or you are taking prescription medication it is always wise to consult with your pharmacist or G.P. before commencing any diet.

I am replacing 2 meals daily with MRP's, but what else do I eat?

The NewWeigh Meal Replacement Plan Booklet contains food tables with the healthy foods marked in green. These healthy foods should make up a substantial part of your diet. https://newweigh.ie/how-it-works/maintenance-food/

Can I use diet drugs (tablets/injections/supplements) whilst I am using MRP?

No. We do not recommend using diet drugs and supplements whilst using MRP foods.

Can coeliacs use MRP?

All products except the Bakewell Bar are suitable for Coeliacs. The Bakewell Bar may contain gluten.

Will I get all my nutrition whilst I am dieting?

Each MRP food is high in fibre, protein and 26 vitamins and minerals. They are an ideal way to lose or manage weight whilst ensuring you get good nutrition.

Are MRP foods filling?

Our MRP foods are filling as they are high in fibre and protein.

Can I drink alcohol on the MRP plan?

Alcohol is high in calories and will make you hungry, often leading to grazing and loss of appetite control. It is better to avoid alcohol if you are dieting.

Can I use MRP's to get back into good eating habits after a holiday?

Yes. MRP foods are an ideal way to get back in control. Try using the Refeed week to kick start your good eating habit

Can I use artificial sweeteners on MRP plan?

Yes. Artificial (low calorie/no calorie) sweeteners may be used as a useful alternative to high calorie sweeteners.

Are there any healthy snacks suitable with NewWeigh Meal Replacement Plan foods?

The aim is to eat only three times a day as every food intake causes an insulin response. Regular snacking can cause cravings and make your appetite and weight harder to control. Most people who successfully manage their weight long term do not snack. The recent fashion of eating small amounts frequently is disastrous for weight control. If you are hungry or feel like a snack, try having a cup of tea/coffee or drinking some water. Sometimes this makes the hunger go away. Remember your goal is to control your weight. Keeping a food diary is also a good way to control snacking. Record the type and amount of food in the diary BEFORE eating it. The very act of recording before eating can lead to you making the portion smaller or maybe deciding not to eat it at all! If you wish to have a snack occasionally, try low glycaemic index (GI) foods in small portions. Examples :

  • NewWeigh MRP Bakewell Bar or Shake
  • Low calorie soups
  • Sweet potatoes with skin
  • Figs and prunes
  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Minimally processed grains
  • Low-fat dairy foods e.g. low fat yoghurt, low fat cheese
  • Whole wheat pitta with tomatoes
  • Boiled egg
  • Small piece of meat, chicken or fish
  • Salad (no dressing)
  • Wholegrain crackers
  • Fruit*

*Most fruits are suitable if they are not the highly sweetened types e.g. banana, pear, granny smith type apples (leave skin on fruits where possible). Remember that quantity is still important, even though it is still fruit e.g. there can be a big difference in the size of bananas, so just have one small banana. Sugary fruits (grapes/sweet oranges/sweet apples) should be avoided, as they can cause hunger. Find a NewWeigh pharmacy near you for support and advice on your weight loss programme.