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This review synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of meal replacements (MRs) as part of a weight loss intervention with conventional food‐based weight loss diets on cardiometabolic risk in individuals with pre‐diabetes and features of metabolic syndrome. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched through January 16, 2024. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference [95% confidence intervals]. The overall certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Ten trials (n = 1254) met the eligibility criteria. MRs led to greater reductions in body weight (−1.38 kg [−1.81, −0.95]), body mass index (BMI, −0.56 kg/m² [−0.78, −0.34]), waist circumference (−1.17 cm [−1.93, −0.41]), HbA_1c (−0.11% [−0.22, 0.00]), LDL‐c (−0.18 mmol/L [−0.28, −0.08]), non‐HDL‐c (−0.17 mmol/L [−0.33, −0.01]), and systolic …