别让食用代餐成为以健康为赌注的冒险

Core Viewpoint - The rapid growth of the meal replacement market reflects a societal shift towards convenience, driven by urban young people's "time poverty," but raises concerns about health and cultural implications [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - The meal replacement market in China reached a scale of 175 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to exceed 350 billion yuan by 2027, indicating explosive growth [1] - The product's marketing strategy effectively targets young consumers' desire for efficiency, simplifying meals to just two scoops of powder [1] Group 2: Health Concerns - Clinical recommendations suggest that only specific patients should use meal replacements under medical guidance, as long-term reliance may lead to malnutrition and digestive issues [2] - Over 50% of meal replacement products on the market fail to meet the minimum energy standards set by the Chinese Nutrition Society, posing health risks to consumers [2] Group 3: Regulatory and Industry Responsibility - The development of the meal replacement industry highlights the inadequacies of the regulatory framework, with a lack of mandatory standards allowing misleading marketing practices [2][3] - Companies are urged to increase R&D investment from the current level of less than 5% of revenue to develop products that meet diverse health needs [3] Group 4: Cultural and Social Implications - There is a need to rebuild the understanding of food culture, emphasizing that eating is not just about nutrition but also about social connections and cultural heritage [3][4] - The pursuit of efficiency should not come at the cost of health and bodily functions, as reliance on liquid meal replacements may lead to irreversible degradation of chewing and digestive capabilities [3]