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March 12, 2025

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Weight loss shakes can be a convenient and effective tool for managing weight, but not all shakes are created equal.

Expert Banner Carly Barlow and Dr Catherine Quirk.

Carly is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who specialises in weight loss. She enjoys helping people lose weight with a non-judgemental and holistic approach. Carly is a hospital dietitian and is a co-owner of The Weight Loss Specialist Clinic, a weight loss clinic offering expert nutrition advice including advice around weight loss surgery. Carly also co-founded Lightly, an all-natural protein meal replacement company that provides way and on-the-go weight loss shakes that have helped thousands of patients lose weight and feel more energised. Carly has appeared on Channel 9 as an expert dietitian and previously worked as a nutritionist at Hugh Jackman’s Gwinganna Health retreat.

Dr Catherine Quirk is a highly experienced bariatric physician and surgical assistant with a strong background in medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical science. She graduated from Bond University in 2016 and has since worked in rural, remote, and metropolitan hospitals across Queensland, gaining extensive clinical experience.

Lightly weight loss products.
Know what to look for in a weight loss shake. Image: supplied

When choosing a weight loss shake, consider the following key factors:

1. High protein content

Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass while losing weight. High-protein shakes help keep you full for longer, reduce cravings, and support metabolism. Look for shakes that contain at least 30g of protein per serving. Common protein sources include whey, casein, pea, and soy protein.

2. Balanced macronutrients

A well-balanced weight loss shake should include a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich but low-starch carbohydrates. Avoid shakes that are too high in sugar or artificial ingredients, as these can lead to energy crashes and increased hunger.

Avoid sugary products that only fuel your hunger. Image: supplied

3. Low sugar and no artificial additives

Many commercial weight loss shakes contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners that can hinder weight loss goals. Look for options with less than 5g of sugar per serving and naturally derived sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

4. Essential vitamins and minerals

A good weight loss shake should provide essential nutrients to support overall health. Look for shakes fortified with vitamins like B12, D, and iron, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

5. Fibre for digestive health

Fibre helps with digestion, satiety, and blood sugar regulation. Aim for shakes with at least 3-5g of fibre per serving to support gut health and promote fullness. Probiotics for a healthy gut microbiome are an added benefit. 

weight-loss-shakes
Fibre is an essential ingredient! Image: supplied

What makes Lightly Weight Loss Shakes different?

At Lightly, we believe in providing a high-quality, nutritionally balanced shake designed to support healthy weight loss. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • High-quality protein: Our shakes contain a premium blend of whey protein to support muscle maintenance and keep you feeling full. Collagen shakes are not complete sources of protein so are not the best for a weight loss shake. 
  • Highest protein on the market: Lightly shakes contain over 30g of protein per serve (a huge 40g per serving in the flavourless) making Lightly DOUBLE the protein and much less sugar than competitor products. 
  • Nutritionally complete: Designed with balanced macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals for optimal health.
  • Low in sugar & artificial additives: We prioritise clean ingredients, avoiding unnecessary sugars and artificial sweeteners.
  • Supports sustainable weight loss: Unlike fad diets, our shakes are designed for long-term success by promoting a healthy relationship with food.
  • Flavourless option available: Lightly shakes come in a flavourless option with lots of recipe ideas for those that dislike the traditional shakes such as Optifast. 

Lightly expert and bariatric (weight loss surgeon) Dr Mikhail Mastakov uses Lightly with all his weight loss patients.

“As a surgeon who has helped many patients lose weight over the years, I have found Lightly gives the best weight loss results for my patients. In fact some patients were so successful in their weight loss, they ended up choosing not to have surgery as they lost a lot of weight doing the full Lightly program so ended up avoiding surgery.”

Dr Mikhail Mastakov, Bariatric Surgeon

Choosing the right weight loss shake can make a big difference in your journey. With Lightly, you can feel confident that you’re getting the right nutrition to support your goals while enjoying a shake that tastes great and keeps you satisfied.

Use code BestHealth10 for 10% off your purchase price at checkout. 


Would you consider shakes as part of your weight loss journey? Leave us a comment!

  • I never heard of lightly weight loss shakes. Since my weight is quite low I am not interested in using weight loss shakes. I’m not so sure about losing weight using shakes to replace healthy meals either. I do believe in high protein meals, preferably plant derived as I’m a vegetarian. I do like clean ingredient and avoid unnecessary processed sugars and artificial sweeteners.


  • I’ve never tried weight loss shakes and from the comments here it would seem that a lot of shakes are not very appealing. I like the sound of the Lightly shakes and would give them a try. I have had success on intermittent fasting in the past but lately I have found it very hard to stick to.


  • There are so many weight loss shake varieties out there and it can be overwhelming to know which ones would be right for you. Thanks for sharing the above helpful tips for anyone who is considering buying a weight loss shake. There are some really valuable tips in the article worth considering.


  • These are some good tips to know when choosing a weight loss shake that will actually be beneficial to you. Definitely try finding one low in sugar and still contain protein for muscle retention is an important one. I personally dont really consume these sorts of shakes as i dont enjoy the flavour and taste


  • An interesting read but I have never been able to find a weight loss shake that I enjoy the taste of. Ive tried shakes, soups and all different flavours and brands. I have not been able to find one where I can actually finish it as they taste so bad.


  • I wish I enjoyed protein shakes! I often find myself getting meal decision paralysis and I end up just blanking until I feel sick from hunger and then I end up binge eating. A protein shake would solve this but I just can’t get past the texture and artificial sweeteners and flavours. I wish I enjoyed stevia!


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