Medifast Diet Review: Pros/Cons, Indepth Reviews
Can you imagine losing 20 pounds in one month?
That's exactly what Maryland mother Nnedi achieved. Although in subsequent months the weight loss was lower - she lost a total of 160 lbs in 10 months.
Medifast can work but you need to know the facts, research, and any issues you might face.
Medifast Has a Long Track Record
Medifast has been around for a number of decades, and at one time was only available via physicians. Now you can be order products on-line.How Medifast Works
Medifast offer meal replacement products - typically formulated to be low-calorie and low-fat, and containing optimum levels of vitamins. The formula will generally take users into a mild state of ketosis.The most popular plan is called 5 and 1. This plan (800-1000 calories daily) comprises 5 meal replacements and one "real" meal containing a lean protein, vegetables or salad. Medifast claim a weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week on this plan.
Medifast Has Undergone Clinical Trials
- One Johns Hopkins University study showed that Medifast results in significant weight loss (67 lb average loss in males and 57 lb average loss in females). Note that this study looked at patients who attended Medifast clinics.
- Another compared Medifast with diabetes medication. The study found Medifast more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes than an ADA-recommended program (more).
- A third study (source) showed that Medifast meal replacement programs were better than "those typically reported for obesity pharmacotherapy [i.e. drug treatment], and that retention of customers was "better than most commercial programs reported".
Success Stories
Medifast have a number of "success stories" - including Nnedi Uzowihe-Igwe of Maryland, USA. Nnedi appeared in People magazine describing a massive transformation that resulted in a 160lb weight loss between June 2004 and April 2005.We were contacted by Nnedi and confirmed that she has maintained her weight loss.
Issues to Be Aware Of
What you can expect
One issue with Medifast is the long-term consequences - especially weaning off the program. The transition phase is 4-6 weeks, and starts off by introducing oatmeal at breakfast, and fruit for snacks.
Exercise must become a part of life (5 days a week). It begins fairly low-key during the restrictive part of Medifast - but once transitioning - it is more important.
Due to low energy intake and exercise levels - it is likely that some muscle loss will occur during the weight loss phase. To rectify this, gradually include strength training during the transition phase to build up muscle tone.
Medifast Advantage
The standard 4-week package plan costs $315. However - that's the cost of the "5" - you will still need to buy your daily "lean and green" meal (lean protein plus salad/vegetables). Dieters have the option to enroll in their Advantage program for significant savings.Advantage Membership offers the best value;
- Free standard shipping on qualifying orders
- Free 56 Medifast Meals - 28 with this order, and 28 with your second order ($132.00 value!)
- Free BlenderBottle® - a must-have for mixing your Medifast Meals
- Free Online meal planner and support community
- 5% off your third and future Medifast Advantage orders
Programs for Men & Women
Different formulations are used for men and women.
The men's shakes have a higher soy protein content.
A diabetic program is available - with very good success rates: "after 34 weeks, 24 percent of the Medifast users decreased or eliminated their diabetes medication, compared to 0 (zero) percent on the standard food diet".
Final Thoughts: Does Medifast Work?
Behavioral changes are critical to the long-term success of Medifast. Unless these lifestyle changes are applied, then the weight could swing back on like a yo-yo. It's worth taking a look at the post 10 Questions To Ask Before Changing Your Diet.I don't believe Medifast is for the person who wants to lose a few pounds.
This is a serious program for serious situations, and it may be advisable to follow the program while receiving regular support from a clinic or health professional
Ample proof exists that the program does work and can lead to significant weight loss provided the transition phase is followed correctly.
References: Haddock CK, Poston WS, et al (2008). Effectiveness of Medifast supplements combined with obesity pharmacotherapy: a clinical program evaluation. Eating and weight disorders , 13 (2), 95-101.
Medifast Book available at Amazon.
Read More
- The Aquavore Diet (Diet Blog)
- Eat The Foods You Love Diet (Diet Blog)
- Meet Greg, 155 Pounds Down! (DailySpark)
- 2012 Super Bowl Commercial Winners: Oikos and Belvita [VIDEOS] (Diets in Review)
190 Comments
Created / Updated: January 8, 2012
I had a friend who did this years ago and she was HUGE. It amazed me how fast and quickly this worked...she was drop-dead gorgeous and perfect....then, she got cocky, and started to just eat candy bars all the time in front of everyone ("I'm smaller than you, so I can do this")...unfortunately, once she had that taste in her, she couldn't stop...got humungo again...and then got pregnant ....with TWINS!!! I moved then and didn't see if she ever lost it. BUT, Medifast really worked well but you need to be dedicated AFTER you are thin to live a thin lifestyle.
ReplyBoth my parents had tons of success with Medifast my mother lost 40lb and my father lost 55lb. WONDERFUL!! Right?!?!
Well recently Medifast had a complete staff change and put my mother a "candy bar diet" OK Medifast bars.
So, my mother was eating 5 Medifast bars and one Lean & Green while my father was on maintenance; he lost all his weight and at 17% BMI (he's an athlete again!!!)
Since my mother started to just eat the Candy Bars (Medifast Bars) she quit loosing weight (didn't gain) but was accused of "cheating" and then my father has to much body fat (at 17% BMI) was also told that he needed the Candy Bar's diet as well.
Both my parent felt bad when they went there (feeling guilty is NEVER good when you are trying to drop the pounds) They finally decided to quite and my mother lost weight immediately. On her own :) Yahhh
I really believe Medifast is wonderful and did wonders for both my parents. My parents would still be members if the staff had better BED SIDE MANNERS; but the positive out ways the negative (they are able to do it on their own!!!)
I don't think I would ever suggest Medifast because I truly believe seeing a Dietician (Nutritionist) is the best way for a true lifestyle change.
Dietitians gives you meal and workout plans that teach you how to eat in the 'normal' world. The food is as good as you would want it to be (because you are cooking everything), you lose weight fast and most insurances cover it. It is more expensive in the short run (if insurance does not cover it) but it's a lifestyle change. Once you learn it's FREE.
My fiance had a Dietitian and after 9 years he's kept his weight off.
Best of luck to everybody!!!
ReplyHow do you go about finding a nutritionist. I haven't had much luck. I have heard several success stories about Medifast, however I would like to visit with a physician skilled in the profession. Thank you for sharing the story.
ReplyI'm sorry Laura but you have no idea what you are talking about in any respect.
ReplyMedifast is the BEST. I must say it does take some committment. You have to be determined to make it, as with ANY diet, but meal replacements make it easy to commit.After a few short days, you lose your appetite and it becomes hard to eat every meal. YOU MUST, so that your body doesnt go into starvation mode. The meals are not the best tasting, but your taste buds do adjust after just a couple of weeks. I look forward to my one regular lean and green meal a day at around 4 pm. I originally lost 63lbs in the first 3 months and gained 17 back after taking a 5 month gorging break. I really lost control of my eating. I recently decided to do Medifast again, because I do feel great eating that way...6 meals a day, shakes bars and soups and then one good lean and green meal. Exercise comes naturally after about a week, because your energy level SOARSSSSSSSS. Its really the BEST and EASIEST diet I have ever tried. Im planning to reach my goal weight in about 4 months.
ReplyBefore I lost weight, when I thought I wouldn't be able to do it by "just dieting", I looked into a similar program, and also into WLS, and into anything else, really. I decided that my "plan C", should a regular diet fail, and then a ketogenic diet fail, was to have my mouth wired shut, cause it was the only way I'd be able to live on a diet like that.
ReplyGreat review…I have heard mixed opinions about Medifast, but most of them were positive. People I have talked to said that they have reached their target weight. I do not know if they were able to maintain it for an extended period, I hope so. Some people apparently like the simplicity of ready to eat/drink meals.
ReplyThat is the reason I chose the Medifast Diet Plan. Not only was I able to maintain the diet for 3 months but it was convenient while traveling. Simplicity makes the Medifast diet very easy to follow.
ReplyMy mom did a very similar program after giving birth to my brother. I believe it was called Optifast, but it was very similar....she had to survive on meal replacement shakes for a month or so. She initially lost a lot of weight and really got motivated, but then came a major attitude change. She got really crabby and started craving lots of foods. One day, my dad made her a shake and he ate a piece of cake in front of her. She got up, dumped the shake on his lap, and went into the kitchen and ate the rest of the cake. Needless to say, she gained all the weight back and then some. Unless you change your lifestyle, these extreme diets don't work long term.
ReplyNo diet works long term unless you make some kind of permanent adjustment - usually to both diet and exercise. So, that's not a good enough reason to say a diet it bad. It either doesn't work, doesn't work well or makes you ill. I have a co-worker who had stomach by-pass, got pregnant right away, had a huge tragedy and then began drinking (lots of calories). Put the weight back on. Does stomach by-pass not work? Of course that's not the issue. She failed to make the appropriate adjustments. That's always teh truth.
ReplyMy father did Optifast in the 80's. He loved it; he lost all his extra weight. He even became a local spokesman because he was such a success story. When he had lost the weight and was supposed to begin eating again he didn't want to. He loved how easy the plan was and how in control he felt. As soon as he began eating again all the old cravings came back and he gained it all back plus extra for his trouble.
ReplyI went on the Optifast program about 25 years ago. It was through a hospital and monitored weekly by a physician. I lost 100 pounds in 7 months. During those 7 months I became completely obsessed with food. Once off the Optifast I gained 175 pounds. It obviously was not the program for me.
Cherie.
ReplyIt seems to me that the diet didn't fail for you because yo cant simply go back to "stuffing your face" after getting off the diet. It's called self control. I hope I have it.
ReplyI agree with you...going back to the eating habits before getting this weight off...is a BIG No No. People just walk around in the mall and look around.... it's really sad what we do to ourselves with food. Thank you Medifast for showing me how good it feels to be thin...and believing in myself to keep it off. Yes ..I'll stay this way because it's a life change!
ReplyI believe that OptiFast is stricter in terms of calories and is 100% meal replacements. The Medifast 5 and 1 incorporates one meal of "real food" daily. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
ReplyIt's not 100% meal replacement it's 5 meal replacements and 1 lean protein, veggies, & salad.
ReplyI was on optifast for two years. I did a liquid-only diet that was 500 calories a day for the first three months, and introduced one meal for the next nine. I then went on a two shakes, and two small meals a day for the next year. I lost 240 pounds. They have several plans on Optifast. You have to get them from a weight loss clinic. I moved away and there isn't one in my area - so I'm considering Medifast for the last 50 pounds. Yes - I was a big girl - and VERY unhealthy.
ReplyI agree with the above comments. Unless you have a healthy relationship with food, you will gain all the weight back. I have never been severely overweight, but I am young and I would often diet to get to a certain weight, eat like a pig again, gain weight, and then have to diet again. I'm 25 now and I decided to just eat healthy and do moderate exercise. Now I don't diet, I just eat healthy food and sensible portions. And I walk on the treadmill.
Since late August I have lost 12lbs. I feel better and I believe that I can keep this up long term.
ReplyIt's great that this plan has been found to be effective for a number of people, but how does it differ from other diets based on caloric restriction? I tried the South Beach Diet for a few weeks and although meal replacements weren't used, the basis was the same: extreme daily calorie restriction. And with all of these types of diets, are they really teaching you the healthy eating habits that need to be part of your long-term goal? Losing weight quickly can be a big booster for your self-esteem, but these types of diets are all gimmicks with no regard for long-term complications.
ReplyDo the shakes even taste good? Who wants to spend all that money and then hate the taste
ReplyI am on the program at this time and I really like it. I like all of the products with the exception of the strawberry creme shakes. My fav is the orange creme, tastes like an orange julius. I blend mine with ice and add splenda to sweeten it a bit and volumnize it, really good.
ReplyKalente--my mom thought the shakes tasted terrible. She only really could tolerate the chocolate ones. I guess the strawberry ones were really disgusting. She said they were chalky and kind of thick and slimy (probably from the agar that was in them to thicken them)
ReplyThis really is a great diet! I've read many objections from many people but it seems to me most of you are scared of trying something new just on the off chance it won't work for you! It's true this isn't really a diet for those people that need to lose 20 lbs. or less! If you do need to lose a considerable amount of weight this is for you. You will have to change your lifestyle and way of thinking when these come to food! Yes people will eat "regular" food around you, especially when you go out to a restaurant, but this is when you can have your "lean and green" meal. You will have to show a lot of self discipline while around others that are not dieting but that's when you can feel better about yourself for not caving! They give you the guidelines on how to follow this program to get great results. You can't deviate from them or it won't work the way it is designed to. This program gives you the info. and products you need to lose the weight and maintain it after you're ready to stop with it. Ever heard of a transition guide? That's what they give you. Medifast is NOT Optifast!! You have to realize, though they are very similar they are not the same! Medifast is a 5 and 1 plan where you have one "real" meal a day and that's also so you don't feel completely taken away from food so it's not as hard to transition. You do need to realize that you are doing something wrong with what you're eating if you just gain weight excessively. you need to eat healthier and stop blaming other people for what you're doing to yourself. With this diet it's not just caloric restrictions! It's a low calorie, low fat, low salt and sugar, low carb.,high protein diet. That's the other reason for the "lean and gree" meal. These meals also have all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need each day built into them. This diet is not a gimmick and it does consider long term weight problems. They try to train your body to healthy eating habits while using their meals and with the transition guide they give you once you've reached your ideal weight. You have smaller meals closer together throughout the day so your metabolism works all day long and not just after your big meals. Not everyone will like how all of the meal replacements taste. They have sample packs so you can try the products without spending a lot of money right up front so you can see if you like the taste and the products and plan before ordering a lot of product. They also have a 30 day return policy so you can still send back any products you may not like long term. You can always specialize your orders when placing them. When talking about something like this it would be great idea to consider all the people that have and are doing this diet when it actually worked or is working for them! It would be an even greater idea to actaully know what you're talking about when you have an opinion about something that's trying to help people!!!
ReplyI agree with Kay. Medifast is not a liquid program, since you eat 1 meal a day of real food and it's actually very filling. 7 ounces is alot of chicken and your plate is full with greens! I agree that it takes a little time to get used to eating/drinking 5 protein based supplements a day instead of gorging on potato chips and burgers, but again- this program is for those that need help before they must resort to gastric bypass or lap banding procedures. It's for those that need to lose alot of weight just to relieve the pain in their feet and legs when they walk or to help regulate their blood sugar (diabetics or hypoglycemics). Yes, it might be too much for those with 20 pounds to lose, but it's a great tradeoff for those with obesity based health issues like myself. There is a transition program which Medifast stresses to be a part of the whole program. Also, the quick weightloss is a morale booster to keep on going. We all have to remember that our eating habits got us fat, so we have to pay close attention to eating healthfully once we have succeeded in reaching our weightloss goals. The risk of gaining the weight back is a problem on ANY diet plan, not just Medifast. Otherwise we would all be nice and svelt from the very first diet we ever went on in our lives... but this is not the case. We gain and we lose and continue the cycle because we never learned the proper way to eat and exercise. Perhaps if we plan our transition into regular eating, even before we are actually at that stage, it might help. I find that planning has always taken the fear/confusion out of anything new I've ever tried. So, why not do that with our health? I'm on a healthful journey with Medifast and being a severe hypoglycemic, I don't feel the shakes or like I will faint having the protein supplements every couple of hours. If nothing else, it taught me that I NEED to eat every 2 or 3 hours to feel well and that alone is a lesson well worth it. Most people don't eat 6 times a day and that's why they feel hungry and tired and then reach for the sweets. So, Medifast is a new way of thinking...a healing process for us to carry on with us when we do transition to regular food throughout the day. Healthful eating 6 times a day- small meals. I'm hoping for the best.
Replymedi fast uses soy- do some research gals- soy plays havoc with your estrogen, turning healthy estrogen into a carcinogenic, it won't take too much time to discover the research about soy is overwhelming, started as a cattle feed to promote WEIGHT GAIN- soy producers began to advertise into the vege gang and waala! Soy replaces a good protein, milk whey.
Second- I cannot believe how glib you are about ketosis! Do you have any idea what you are referring to? This is the process your body goes into when it eats its own protein, i.e. organs( your heart is a muscle). Good grief!!!
to pay for self control is ridiculous in the first place, don't badger people who have common sense. Medifast- opti fast- Adkins- it doesn't matter, you are choosing a poor life option for long term health because you have a problem with self-control. perhaps the money would be better spent exploring the 'why' of that particular flaw, than destroying vital organs which WILL come back to haunt you later in life.
There is NO study done that explores this correlation, because studies cost money, and those who initiate them are looking for short term goals to the positive, not long term goals thats may show their product destructive. Spend some time in your local oncology wards and ask about all the fad diets..the message will shock you.
i agree that there are desperate circumstances before surgery. But to use this as a lifestyle choice for 6 months to a year for the truly obese, is still not a good idea. Too long. maybe Medifast would do the right thing and replace soy with a real protein, ya think? No cost would be too high!
besides, soy is not a protein you can adsorb as useful, our bodies were created to have to have all essential amino acids at once to convert to protein in the body, otherwise it becomes a carb. Not useful for building muscle mass(think heart here) Soy is a legume. it takes the correct proportion of legume and nut to create the amino acid balance for out human bodies to use as a protein.
don't spend good money on a bad idea, you are fat because of a personality flaw, or medical condition. Find out what thet is and get it addressed. you will be happioer and healthier, I am speaking as a PCOS person, so don't give me any flack about how hard it is to do things the healthy way, it just takes more time, more energy, but the results are a life well lived in true health- not another -get slim quick- scheme!
ReplyCleary obvious you suffer from PCOS as your "personality flaw" is shining bright sweetie!! Perhaps you also suffer from PMDD - get it checked out...some self reflection may be in order!
ReplyRemember, if you feel strongly and are passionate about something -there is a right and wrong way to present your case! Avoid "insulting" what other people believe in, and attempting to "attack" them as a person- as you cleary are NO idea who they are or what their issues are. Simply speak your thoughts from a "suggestive" stance and leave everything thing else out. Your lesson for the day hon!
You are a Du Mazz! At least your not a bitter Du Mazz though!!! :)
ReplyI agree...to send a body into ketosis isn't wise. And soy has been shown to elevate estrogen levels which in turn has a detrimental impact on your health. So, great, you're losing weight with liquids (oh, and 1 meal...really...is that normal?), but you are harming doing serious harm to your body.
ReplyI had tried all sorts of weight loss gimmicks - slim fast, pills, etc. and would always gain back the weight. Finally, with the healp of a nutritionist - who had me eating regualr meals! -and exercise, I dropped 125 pounds. The money for the medifast "meals" can be better spent on buying whole foods. Additionally, I think it's wise to seek couseling to figure out why one might have such a difficult time with excessive eating. I had always ate, poorly, when stressed. Resolving those underlying issues are key to long-term healthy weight loss!
Wwo! That was awfully harsh! Personality flaw? Look in the mirror!
ReplyI also have PCOS and run 3 miles a day and eat a low carb diet with a healthy balance of greens and protein, and guess what? Six months later I lost 3 pounds. I don't plan on waiting two yrs. to loose 12 pounds. I have two friends that just completed this diet, one of them being diabetic, and they did great. This diet is packed with vitamins and minerals w/ no added stimulants. This diet promotes drinking water and teaches a healthy eating schedule AND you do eat protein in the form of chicken! I say go for it, but don't cheat on it, you'll just be throwing your money away and prolonging the diet.
ReplyI was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 21 (now 32) and have been heavy my whole life. I have the worst case scenerio when it comes to the PCOS. I have done every fad diet from here to tinbucktoo and nothing worked including just watching what I ate and excercising regularly. I finally decided that weight loss surgery was my only option. I have done the Medifast diet (not the 5 and 1 but 5 shakes throughout the day) in order to drop the 10% of body weight that is required in order to be eligible for the surgery. I managed to do that plus more and keep it off. I still had the surgery and am doing wonderful. I still do a Medifast shake for a meal once in awhile. 3 of my friends are now doing the shakes and are seeing the tremendous weight loss too. My diabetes and high cholestrol are also resolved. Don't down the diet!! For me personally it's the best thing that could have came into my life.
ReplyI am currently transistioning off Medifast, 6 months and 75 pounds later. The program takes a serious commitment, because I've found that any cheating (specifically extra carbs) will affect your ketosis levels and the scale. It may take up to 3 days to re-enter ketosis, and during that time, you'll feel not so great physically.
The Medifast food itself is overall fairly palatable. This is low calorie/low fat food after all. Some foods need a bit of extra help with spices, but overall, there's so much selection, you won't go hungry.
After 6 months, I've found that my taste buds have almost competely 'reset.' Greasy and fatty foods don't taste good anymore and seem to be very bland. I had some fat-free cottage cheese the other day, and even that tasted good (hated the stuff before).
The program is pricey, so be prepared long-term for that (with monthly meat (6kg) & vegetables -- ~$500), but search the web for Medifast promotional coupons and you can save some cash.
After cheating a few times, I realized I actually felt better overall when eating less food.
Replyhi all...since reading all the commentary about Medifast, I called my GP and got his approval...then...I've ordered a 2 week program (comes with a free week...so really 3) and extra products to go for the 4 week program.
It sounds like exactly what I need...SIMPLE! No thought process. There's something to eat every 2 hours then have my normal meal at night. (currently all I eat for dinner is a small piece of whatever meat my hubby is having as a condiment and a couple cups of some kind of veggie and fruit.
Thanks for this topic...I'm really juiced to do this. love and peace...lynnann
ps...I did lose many pounds on Atkins...so I know that lo-carb is good for me, but it was still to high in calories and it was not strict enough for me.
I've gained several of the lbs back since then. I know that when I get to my goal weight..I will be able to maintain it easily...it's the jump starting my metabolism that seems to be the problem.
Reply