Are Protein Shakes Replacing Real Meals For UAE Gym-Goers? Doctors Urge Balance

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Protein shakes have become a familiar sight in gyms, offices, and even college bags across the UAE.

Once mainly used by athletes and bodybuilders, they are now part of everyday routines for Millennials, Gen Z, and increasingly, teenagers.

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But as more young people sip their meals, doctors are warning that protein shakes must not replace real food.

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Recent research from Deakin University's Food and Mood Centre compared two very low energy diet programmes - one based on supplement shakes and bars and another using whole foods.

While both groups lost similar amounts of weight, the difference lay in what they lost. The whole-food group preserved more lean muscle and lost more fat, while shake-based dieters lost more muscle along with fat. Preserving muscle, experts say, is key to metabolism and long-term health.

Gym culture and social media are driving this trend.

In UAE clinics, dietitians are already seeing the impact of this shift.

Jaseera Maniparambil, clinical dietitian at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai, said,“In daily clinical practice, there is a noticeable rise in protein supplement us among young adults, driven largely by gym culture and social media. Many believe that higher protein intake automatically leads to better fitness results.”

She added that what worries her most is that“adolescents are also adopting this habit, often without understanding whether they actually need extra protein.” In reality, she said,“Most people who eat a reasonably balanced diet already meet their daily protein needs through food alone.”

Skipping meals for shakes, she warned, can come at a cost.“For teenagers and young adults, frequently skipping meals in favour of shakes may lead to low energy, digestive discomfort, nutrient gaps, and poor eating habits over time.”

A support tool, not a meal replacement

Dietitians stress that protein shakes are not inherently harmful when used correctly.

“Protein shakes do have a place when used sensibly,” Maniparambil said.“They can be helpful after workouts, during long workdays when meals are delayed, or for individuals with higher protein needs.”

But she cautioned that“they should be seen as a support tool, not a replacement for everyday meals.”

She also noted that across UAE healthcare settings, many gym-goers self-prescribe supplements.

“After proper assessment, many are surprised to learn that their regular meals already provide enough protein.”

Not nutritionally safe for adolescents

Dr Fiji Antony, HOD and Chief Clinical Dietitian at NMC Speciality Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai, warned that shakes often lack key nutrients.“Shakes often lack full-spectrum nutrients,” she said, explaining that while they provide protein, they may fall short in fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients found in whole foods.

She highlighted that children in Westernised diets already consume“2–3× more protein than required even without supplements”, and excessive intake can stress the kidneys and liver and increase dehydration risk.

Replacing meals with shakes, she said,“especially among adolescents, is not nutritionally safe and increases the risk of long-term nutrient deficiencies.”

Dr Khalid Mamdooh Alkubaisy, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, echoed these concerns.

“Regularly replacing meals with protein shakes is not considered healthy, particularly for teenagers and young adults who require a wide range of nutrients for growth and development,” he said.

Long-term dependence, he added,“may contribute to nutritional imbalances and digestive issues if not properly monitored.”

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