Very Low Calorie Diets: Good or Bad?

I am VP of Marketing for Medifast and want to set the record straight.

A VLCD (very low calorie diet) has less than 800 calories/day. The Medifast 5&1 Plan is not a VLCD because it exceeds 800 calories/day. We still recommend doctor consultation as we would with any diet. Our programs have been found to be "safe and effective" in clinical tests done at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The 5&1 program is not just for clinically or morbidly obese people, but rather anyone who has been unable to lose weight and maintain weight loss through conventional food diets. We consistently hear (and clinical tests bear this out) that our customers find Medifast much easier to comply with than conventional food diets because there's no counting of calories, carbs, or points, and much less temptation to cheat.

We offer over 70 types of low calorie, high protein meals, including shakes, bars, oatmeal, chili, pudding, and soup. This makes sticking to the Medifast plan a pleasure. Over 1 million people have used Medifast, 15,000 physicians have recommended it, and clinical studies prove its effectiveness and safety. That's tough to beat.

hello this is a good web site i am a year 12 student doing health and social care and we are doing about diets..

I have just begunthe Medifast diet and am 100% pleased with the program. I encourage anyone to cisit the Medifast website ~ this diet is not the beginning or the end and I like that about it. It is a learning tool,
it really works and the food is actually pretty good...

Hi, I'm a 15 year old guy who plays basketball and I am looking for a way to put on more muscle I have tried all different types or reps and weights but to no avail so I have put the problem down to my diet. What do I need to do to build more muscle without putting on weight?

By the way if any one can help me with a diet or way that I would be able to gain more muscle please email me with the detail at sir_nooby@hotmail.com
Thank you

I have been doing MediFast since August 05, have lost 25 pounds and have 15 to go. Doctor knows and approves 100%, is familiar with the program.

Loss would be faster if I was better about sticking to the plan, but overall I am pleased. No real problems with hunger, cravings, etc., which made previous diets fail miserably. I feel great, healthy, energetic, asthma and other minor physical probs have improved considerably as well.

Blood pressure is down significantly, cholesterol improved.

Cost is a factor, however it's no more expensive in the long run than "real food" if you're eating out 1 or 2 times a week, convenience foods etc. I recommend this plan to those with significant (25+ pounds) weight loss needs.

I have tried all sorts of diets and failed, I have about 70 pounds to lose. Now I'm considering the medifast plan. Does anyone else have comments about it? I see a couple of good comments, but what about when you end the diet? I'm sure there will be some rapid weight gain. Any other comments about Medifast that can help me out?

The best way to reduce weight is to use Hoodia Gordonii and take up a little fitness. Drink plenty of water and walk 30 steps further every day for one month. Then you need to continue that distance achived three times a week.

Jenny, I can't tell you what is gonna work for you, but I think you should try to see a doctor for a general checkup and to get some recommendations before going on something as drastic as this diet.

When I first tried to lose weight, I went to a nutrionist and she put me on a 780 calories a day diet. I lost 5lb in the first 3 weeks (like *that* is a big deal when you are 230lb), and then for the next 5 weeks, I lost a whole bunch of hair, and pieces of my fingernails, that kept on breaking off, and my sleep (try sleeping on a stomach so empty it hurts...). Oh and the money I was paying her, of course. After that I decided to do my own research and figure out my own diet, and that is when I lost weight while keeping my hair and sleeping at night.

Like I said I don't know exactly what is gonna work for you but I think the first things anyone looking to lose weight are:

1. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (at least 2 servings for fruit and 5 for vegetables, more if you can);
2. Cut out sugar;
3. Cut out fried stuff and junk in general;
4. Drink more water;
5. Eat enough lean protein (I know the recommendations to keep you healthy are really low, but protein helps keep blood sugar balanced, so if you don't you're gonna have cravings). "Enough" is like at least 15g per meal;
6. Eat 5-6 small meals;
7. Try to eat whole/unrefined foods and grains whenever possible;
8. Exercise, preferably doing weight training too, at least 3x a week;
9. Track your food intake at Fitday.com (it is free). Track your unrestricted eating for at least a week to get an average, and try not to cut too many calories from that number. If you are eating 2,500 now, you wanna eat 2,200 or so for now.

There you go. It is not a diet book, but it is free. LOL

Of course, you'll find out which foods you like, which keep you full (I didn't use to eat much pumpkin but found out it makes me feel so full, now I eat it all the time), and which ones you find hard to control portions (cheese is my personal downfall).

Jenny, I also have tried many diets and failed. While I agree with Jan whole heartedly, I needed to see results fast in order for me to not give up all together. Check with your doctor before starting any diet program! For me, the Medifast worked great for a jumpstart which is what I needed. You can't expect it to fix your weight problem though, it should only be used to get the weight off fast and safely, you have to work hard on keeping it off. You have to actually change your lifestyle. I started on the Medifast and felt great. My doctor suggested also taking a vitamin suppliment every day (I took One-A-Day Weightsmart)I got the energy to exercise which I did not have prior (I was always to tired, even going up stairs killed me!). What I did was lost 85lb with Medifast and started the steps to getting healthy. Once I started introducing "real" food back into my diet, I keept it healthy. Whole foods, grains, low sugar, etc (there is some great sugar-free chocolate & candy out there that saves me when I get a sweet-tooth!) I now eat pretty much like Jan says and exercise regularly (mostly just walking) and am keeping the weight off. For me, seeing the slender, sexy me is what keeps me going with the healthy lifestyle. NOTHING feels better than a flat stomach and nice body. I NEVER want to be fat again! If I had not had the fast results from Medifast, I would shurly have given up and still be an obese woman doing the yo-yo diet thing and feeling sick when I look in the mirror. Not only that but dealing with serious health issues. I recommend Medifast whole heartedly. I hope this helps and good luck with what ever you decide to do.

Ang, congratulations! As long as you don't go and use this type of diet as a yo-yo thing, on and off, I don't think it is bad for you. But it is pretty hard, eating that little, so you have to be committed or you'll go into the yo-yo thing.

Hello all,

Jan, I have been on Medifast only 2 days. I LOVE IT. There is so muchfood.It tastes fine even good. You eat 5 meals a day plus an additional meal. I'm having a hard time eating them all. It's 8:00pm and Ihave to fit two more meals in today. I'mnot hungry , no cravings, I feel great !!!
I have NEVER been able to stay on a diet before . The only time I ever was able to stay on a diet more than a day was when I took phen phen. I know can stay on this diet it is so easy and filling. Ang try it so many peopl have had great success.
I'll let you all know how I do. I have over 100lbs to lose.

I have been on Medifast a week and a half. I agree with the above poster. I needed something that would give me quick results and keep me motivated. I love medifast and plan to stick with it until I lose all the weight. When I am done..I will include plenty of fresh veggies and fruits in my diet as well as exercise.

I started Medi-fast about 1-1/2 weeks ago and love it so far..however I have had a tough time getting in all 5 of my medi-fast meals a couple of days (only had 4) - does anyone out there know if having all 5 every day is imperative to optimum weight loss?
I have 100lbs to go and don't want to allow myself to get in the habit of skipping one here and there if it is really going to slow my weight loss down.

Hi!

I've been on Medifast for 7 days now. I started at 376lbs- today I weigh 363lbs! I read in the information booklet that you may be hungry and irritable during the first three days- but I was satisfied! I was so satisfied that I thought I was doing something wrong! But nope- spacing the meals so that they are two to three hours apart works well during my work day, and then I can have dinner with my family (I have the protein and salad version of whatever they're eating). And then, around 9pm, I have a snack, like a sugar-free jello cup (prepackaged in the refrigerator aisle at the grocery store- not expensive at all), or two scoops of Breyers sugar-free vanilla ice cream, or two baby dill pickles. I'm a late night muncher, so a snack before bed is still important to me.

The hardest part is remembering to eat during the day- so I bought a watch, and try to be mindful of the time. This schedule works best for me:
8am- medifast oatmeal
10am- medifast shake
12pm- medifast soup
2pm- medifast bar
4pm- medifast drink
6pm- lean and green meal
9pm- sugar-free snack

Ofcourse, these times are variable- sometimes I don't eat dinner until 7pm, but that's still within the 2-3hr mark. Drink lots of water... I think the biggest guideline is to just stay away from sugar. If I'm craving chocolate, which I haven't (which, in itself, is bananas!), there are a lot of sugar-free options. Buy one, enjoy it, and keep going!

I'm just so glad to have found a program that helps me not only get control over my eating my, but also gives me hope, energy, excitement about life. In the words of the ever-illustrious John Mayer, "your body is a wonderland," and it's been heaven to learn more about myself everyday.

:o)
Marie

Hi Everyone.

I have just started the Medifast program three days ago and am finding it to be great. I need and would like to lose 80lbs. This forum seems like a good support group to cheer each other on. I hope I am doing the program correct. Will let you know when I weigh in.

It's true that VLCD's will make you lose weight - and quickly. When I was anorexic I dropped weight very fast. What bothers me about this program is that it is temporary. I've heard over and over that for permanent weight loss, you have to pick something you can stick with long term. I am wondering, after the crash diet is over and you have lost the weight, how will you keep it off? Following starvation diets our body clings to extra calories.
It doesn't sound like a permanent solution to me. If it is working for you and you really, really need to lose the weight fast, then I say go for it...but be prepared to invest the time and energy it will take to maintain.
Claire

One month in on the Medifast program. I have lost 30 lbs. Started at 225 and am now at 195. 6 ft tall, 44 y.o. man who has never been able to have the body I envision in my mind. I now feel I am on my way.

I have not exercised, other than occasional walking for nearly 2 years. When I started on Jan 18, 2006 I felt great the first day, then was a bear for day two and three while my metabolism shifted into mild ketosis. Day four was the best I have felt in a long time and I have continued to feel better with each passing day.

Here's what I found works for me. (Please remember that everyone is different and what works or occurs with me, may not be so for you.) I agree with the post above from Marie on 2/13 re: the two hour interval. My occupation allows me the flexibility to eat when necessary.

8am Oatmeal
10am Shake
Noon Bar
2pm Shake
4pm Soup/Shake
6pm Meat/Fish/Chicken & Salad
8pm Shake/Pudding as a night cap

I have been very disciplined with the meals and meal replacements and limit my alcohol to an occasional Astel Light Beer or a glass of good red wine (not cheap stuff either, since I restrict intake, I take my time to enjoy it).

I drink tons of water all day and have learned where the public access restrooms are located around town. I have noticed however, that with time, my frequency of urination has decreased despite maintaining high water intake.

I eat/drink the meal replacements very slowly. 10 minutes or more if possible and always with a significant amount of water.

I don't wear a watch but have noticed that when I feel hungry and check the time on my cell phone, about 2 hours or so have passed. Then I eat, no matter what.

As a scientist who know some about biochemistry, I understand how ketosis works. In this restricted calorie approach to ketotic weight loss, it is CRITICAL to keep the fuel coming in at two hour intervals otherwise you can become tired and/or cranky. In addition is is EVEN MORE CRITICAL to not take in any other carbs besides what are provided in the meal replacements or the "real food" dinner. It takes very little simple carbohydrate (sugar, white rice, potato(e) chips, etc. to shift metabolism out of ketotic fat burning mode to normal, glycolytic catabolism. You then have to start the three day process again.

In addition, IT IS CRITICAL to take in all 5 meal replacements plus one "real food" dinner each day. If that is not done, your metabolism basically says, "Hey! were starving now! Let's switch to life preservation mode and keep the most calorie rich fuel on this body!" What that means is fat-burning metabolism shuts down and available carbs or muscle (i.e. protein) is burned instead. Remember there are 9 cals/gram of fat but only 4.5 cals/gram of carb or protein.

Finally, as a scientist, objective, clean data is what supports decisions I make whether they are professional or personal. By asking the questions like, "Where did this claim come from? How is it substantiated? Is it repeatable by another party?", etc., I proceed in one direction or another.

There is sound data supporting Medifast in addition to the personal testimonies. The stories told by individuals are just that, stories. The controlled experiments using significant numbers of people followed by a thorough analyis of the results is what makes or breaks a claim. In my opinion, that's where this program shines. Data from studies done at John's Hopkins, Univ of Vermont and NIH are as good as it gets and that's enough for me.

Hello: After a few weeks of debating with myself if I should try medifast, I finally made the decision to try it out. I just placed my order for a whole month supply. I'm very excited, but scared at the same time because I have failed at some many diets, and right now I'm 120 lbs overweight. I want to make this work, not just for me, but for my family.........

Hi..I just started the MediFast diet. Never heard about it before, last week my neighbor stopped by and he had lost 75lbs in less than 2 months time. He is almost to skinny now. I think this program will be a great kick off to lose some weight, because everyone loves instant gratification now. Once you see some pounds drop it gives you the strength th keep working harder. I understand MediFast is not longterm, but a great start.

I would like to communicate with people who are on the Medifast diet. What do you think of it? Is it working? How do you feel? Has your doctor approved? Where do you get the meal replacements? What will you do when you reach your goal?

So many questions.....thank you in advance.

I would love to hear from you.

A great place to read about and get support for Medifast is at makemethinner.com started by Nancy and her husband Terry Pettit. She lost well over 100 lbs. and has kept it off for years through medifast. Click on the support forum there and you will find so many medifasters dealing with many of your issues. It's inspirational, it's motivating, and it's very supportive.

While I've found great success with medifast myself, that support forum and Nancy were the biggest help in getting me through.

Good luck! We all want healthy, attractive bodies to live our lives in, I hope you find yours.

I am going to agree 100% with Jo. The actual site to take you directly to the chat boards is makemethinner.com/forum

It is an excellent back and forth chat and the pictures on there speak volumes. If you do this diet, it will work for you. It is amazing how this is a jump start for so many people. Good luck and I hope to see some of you guys over there.

Hey people...I have been bustin' my butt for three months. I have modified my ENTIRE life...I eat extremely healthy...six small meals a day...lots of protein...veggies...fruits...and I EXERCISE 6x a week!
I have over 100 pounds to lose. After my first set efforts I have lost 35 pounds, which I am very proud of....

HOWEVER....Guess what? I kept doing the right thing stated above...that is continuing my healthy exercise...great diet....behavior modification...and what happened? PLATEAU...for weeks. UGH! This is very discouraging! If i let it get to me...I could stop it. But instead I refuse to give up.

Now I am on medifast and losing weight again. I dont see anything wrong with it. I have committed to a healthy lifestyle and frankly I dont care what anyone has to say about medifast or any other lifestyle choice I have made. I dont think I should stop at 35 pounds when I have 100 to lose!

Changing things up is a good thing. When you have lots of weight to loose you have to keep changing things up...because your body gets use to stuff.

I dont see anything wrong with VLCD...when you have committed to do it...that makes all the difference.

Ultimately its not about weight loss...its about feeling good about yourself. If you are committed...you will find a way to make it happen...I understand the argument that somebody on VLCD would not be successful because they havent learned how to eat or that it doesnt use regular food...is a valid argument I think that everybody deserves to use a method that works for them.

For example, weight watchers doesnt work for me because I find that too many choices encourage cheating for me and I stop short. However, it works for others. Weight loss surgery is not for me...but it works for others.

I think its a matter of finding out what is right for you.

Kudos to EVERYONE who has committed to improving their health...no matter what their method! Keep up the good work.

Katryna

I've been on Medifast since 04/10/06. I'm 5'9" and started at 208#. I'm now down to 172 and am shooting for another 20# off. I'm not sure what my final wheight should be as I've been obese my entire adult life. Before MF my heaviest weight was 245#. I lost the first lbs with just dient and exersize but it took me years and was very daunting (working out 2 hours a day). I found this program through my Mom. She had high BP and diabetes and her docotr recommended Medifast. She's lost over 90# and is working on her last 15 now. She's been doing this for almost a year now as she wanted to go slow. She's now off ALL blood pressure medication and ALL diabetes meds. All her blood work is great and her docotr is just thrilled with her.

The good thing about Medifast and the reason it works FOR ME is it has changed the way I look at food. I really do see it now as fuel not frienship, comfort, love, procrastination. I've "cheated" now and then on this plan and have found that I actually don't like high fat high sweet foods like I used to. I don't even crave Chocolate any more and that's HUGE for me!

I think of this plan as like cat food. My cat gets what he gets and how much her gets. He can't go out and buy crap to eat he just eats what he gets. MF is my cat food. It won't work for everyone and you have to do what works for you but this is working great for me. I found which foods I like and order those. Also my tastes changed while on this plan so that some things I didn't like at first I did like after a few weeks.

I think it's worth a try if you are the type of person who doesn't want to have to think about food. As far as the cost goes I figure it's tons cheaper than all the crap I was eating before and the long term medical costs.

Now here's the but (and it's a BIG but!)... You need to follow the program through the Transition and Maintenace phases. This program is designed to help you lose the weight but you must also learn to maintain it. This is not a magic pill. I will ever be able to go back to the way I used to eat. I will forever eat 5 of 6 small meals a day and eat healthy low cal low fat foods - good proteins, good carbs, good fats and exercise will maintain this weight loss. For me that's the key and I know I'm worth that.

Beth

I tried Medifast. It is an extremely restrictive program. If you fall-off, and who does fall-off their diets, it was nearly impossible to get back on the program. When I called to get support, the Medifast "team" did not want to be bothered. I tried to return food after the trial and error of 2 months, and because it was past the 30 day money back gurarantee, the answer was NO. I am stuck with the powders. I can't understand why I could not return powders that were never opened and do not have experation dates. I was told... "so sad, too bad. 30 days is the rule". Ha. Ha on me. So, my suggestion to everyone is AVOID MEDIFAST. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME NOR MONEY!!!!

Hi everyone... I must say that I have been struggling to lose weight for years now and I need to lose 100 pounds for sure. I was never obese, always watched myself but somehow in my late thirties ran into some obstacles in my life and slowly the weight crept up. In the last 6 years I have struggled with depression and low self esteem and health concerns being blood pressure and developing type II diabetes because of this weight gain. I must say that Medifast is the way to go. I tried it once about six months ago and enjoyed the ease of doing it and felt lucky to have found this doctor recommended diet. Then I stopped doing it within a few weeks and I could have kicked myself. I am back on it now and will stick to it until I lose the whole shabang. If I don't, I know I will be headed for the morgue. I am a 53 year old female and am looking forward to a healthier life thanks to this super diet. I absolutely love the shakes because they are so good... my favorite is banana. Bringing the packets to work is ideal.. it is the greatest diet on the market and I recommend it to anyone. Thanks to all who have commented on this site and gave me wonderful incentive. Good Luck to you all.. Pat from New Hampshire

patricia: I've seen women become obese on a mere 700 calories a day. As you eat less and less to avoid weight gain, you downgrade your metabolism. You're also telling your body that food is scarce and you might need some emergency stores. This is probably what happened to you.

Often, the solution for such women is to get them to eat about 1800 calories of natural food spread across 6 meals and have them do cardio and weight training. There is an initial weight gain, because you are finally starting to nourish your body properly. However, the gain is not fat.

There are many advantages to this approach. First, there is either a maintenance or increase of muscle mass, which keeps your metabolism higher. Second, because your metabolism gets an upgrade from the extra food and exercise, you don't have to continue starving yourself to maintain weight. Finally, you will end up healthier and more fit than if you just starved the fat off.

Starving the fat off is just not healthy. We work best as humans when we are properly nourished and active. Work to build a strong body, not just a thin one.

Ryan.. thank you so very much for commenting .. I respect your advise and know that your 100% correct in what you say.
Medifast is the solution I am taking because I have to get at least half this weight off a bit quicker for health's sake also. I am under a doctor's care and when I do lose this weight, I will slowly incorporate your advice. In the meantime I am walking daily and doing what I can until the weight makes it easier for me to start other exercise programs as you mentioned. I know you are right about the 700 calories as a friend of mine went on a diet 20 years ago called the weight loss clinic diet, out of business now, she ate 500 calories a day and ended up losing her gall bladder as many did at that time from that diet.
Sensible eating, sensible exercise is always the key ... I appreciated your comment very much..

Sincerely, Pat

Hi recently i've started a VLCD of my own. I eat a 90 calorie chewy bar for breakfast and lunch. For dinner I eat a normal 450-600 calorie meal. I weigh 145 lbs and I am 5'4". I lost 5 lbs. to date, over 2 weeks. My basal metabolic is 1693. I take in about 800 calories per day. Sometimes on weekends I skip lunch so I can eat a decent dinner. I try to exercise as best I can, but Im always very busy. I am 13 years old. I know this diet isn't healthy, but I'm afraid to change it because I am sticking to it very well. All my friends tell me I'm becoming an anorexic, but I don't think so because I have decent body image and self esteem. I'm not obese. (I think) Is it possible to continue on this diet and then come to an equilibrium once i reach 132 lbs?

Steve,

The applaud your self awareness and dicipline at 13 years old. My comment is about setting you up for success, not failure.

There are potential problems, on several fronts, that can and likely will prevent you from maintaining "equilibrium", moving forward; even though you may be diligent on your diet.

1) If this diet is not based on Nutrient Rich whole foods, and therefore nutrient rich calories and is "based" on (meaning primarily) animal products and or refined foods, regardless of calories, the quality of your diet will cause consequences in the near future that bust equilibrium.

I am an expert on this subject as founder of www.NutrientRich.com. The body is going to seek what it's missing no matter what your calorie intake or the parameters of your diet.

2) You are growing and developing now at a faster rate now than at any other time in your lifespan, the reality is you're going to have to take in more calories at some point soon.

Right now, particularly if you are not eating nutrient rich calories, (vegetables, fruits, legumes... you are manipulating (eating less, and maybe missing whole nutrient categories like carbs etc) the way you are eating is for purposes of maintaining weight. This can only end badly, as again, the body is going to seek the nutrients it needs no matter what; so what you "may" be doing is short term will have equilibrium busting consequences.

Living at or near your ideal weight is is a natural consequene of a healthy diet style and life style.

3) If you pick up your activity levels, which is a pillar of a healthy lifestyle, you will no doubt have to increase your caloric intake and this alone, means your going to have to change your ways; the transition process could be very challenging.

I don't know the full story, but I suspect these issues, based on what I know.

Especially at your age, where you are setting up future consequences you will have to live with for years to come, eating a nutrient rich diet and having an active lifestyle, (the pillars of health, performance and natural weight management) seem a far better alternative.

wish you the best,

John Allen, founder NutrientRich.com

Steve,

I would avoid serious dieting until you stop growing. Right now, you should focus on getting as many building blocks into your body as possible. You have most of your lifetime to lose any "baby fat". Indeed you should be focusing on nutrient-dense food. However, in your growing years, I would focus on getting protein, fat, and cholesterol in.

Eat meat, eggs, milk, and fish. Beef has lots of great vitamins. The cholesterol and saturated fat will help your brain and nervous system develop. You're not going to have a heart attack before your growing years are over, and a young body is much more tolerant. Try to eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables to get your vitamins. You may want to take a good multivitamin too (Centrum doesn't count) to cover your bases.

Your hormone production is high in this point in your life, but you should still try to enhance it. Higher intakes of protein and fat will boost testosterone. Avoid grain and especially soy. You don't want to grow up to be a pencil neck with undeveloped genitalia.

Also, lift weights to ensure good bone density. In your growing years, you should focus on form and not weight. If you're sacrificing good form at all, reduce the weight. You may want to take a supplement with more of the bone-building minerals.

Cheers,
Rick

As an experiment, I started Medifast January 2006 for one month and I lost 20 pounds. So it does work, and your appetite starts to curb after the 2nd week. But it takes a lot of discipline because you have to make sure you eat every 2 hours and keep hydrated with water. You really have to follow the plan strictly for it to work. No cheating!!

Unfortunately I stopped it only after a month because of a string of special occasions that led to buffets, parties and alcohol. I gained all my weight back in a matter of 10 months. Hahha... I expected that because I went back to my old habits. But I was stunned to see how much Medifast worked for me without making me feel sick or lethargic. I know if I had stuck with it, I would have met my 50 pound goal.

For the past 8 years I've tried numerous pills, shakes, portion sizes, cutting out sugars and starches. Nothing really worked for me because it was so easy to cheat or get off track.

I plan to do Medifast again real soon...I will be getting married soon and need to look great on my big day! Good luck to all of you who are thinking of giving Medifast a try.

I'm on my second day with Optifast and struggling. I see food everywhere and have cravings all day. Also, have been very fatigued and feeling sick. I hope it passes because I don't think I can handle 16 weeks of this. Also, my resting energy expenditure is 2,999 calories a day. Should I be on a diet that provides more calories and maybe actual food. I'm 23, 6ft 4inches, and weigh 354. I am very active and don't feel like this diet gives me enough energy to maintain a normal workout schedule.

Okay, I gave birth five months ago and the scale has stalled. I am 182 pounds and only 5'2"... so this is NOT a healthy weight. I was 160 when I got pregnant so I am no where near my pre-pregnancy weight. I am also nursing... in fact my son is still on brestmilk only! I follow the recommendations of nothing but milk until 6 months. So anyway, I am getting FRUSTRATED with the slow/no weight loss. This past month and a half I have lost nothing.... not even a pound.
I KNOW that it takes time to lose baby weight... this is my second baby so I've been there done that before. However, I am still in maternity clothes and am getting frustrated.
I have researched Medifast and it sounds like a program that would work. BUT since I am lactating I am not supposed to be on the program.

My question is: If I tried the Medifast Mens program do you think it could work for me? I know that I need more calories due to nursing but I am desperate to lose at least some of this weight.

Please, do not tell me to give it time.... I have given it time and the scale is not budging and I have to do something...

Also, I have been spinning three-four times a week and burning around 500 calories per session and the scale is still not moving.

I just want to know if Medifast can work for me while nursing.
Thanks

I am a 42yr old mother of 4 girls who have spent the last 20 something years yo-yo dieting because of a binge eating disorder. My highest weight was 317lbs. I am now at 305 lbs. I tried a similar diet called the new lifestyle diet which is just like the medifast diet and it works but was to expensive for me so here is what I did. I got on the low carb slimfast. It has alot of protein without all the sugars. I do one for breakfast, one for lunch, and I eat a lean cuisine dinner. If I ever get hungry I have another shake or a small packet of oatmeal. It is helping my binge eating disorder to not be around too much food and is teaching me discipline around food.I have done this before and lost 40 lbs within 2 months. When I get a few more lbs off I will start my walking 15-30 minutes a day. One day at a time for me. I am tired of what being overweight has to offer. I want my health back. No one knows how it feels until you have walked in an overweight persons shoes. I pray for all of you who are like me trying to get your health back its a journey we can win. God Bless You all.

Steve,
I am also 13, and I weigh 130 lbs. Do you have any weight -loss tips?

im a 16 year old girl and im kinda having trouble with my wieght. its like i cant get rid of the wieght and when ever i try it comoes back. a month ago, i had been put on a eat healthy routine. and it hasnt been helping.
so im not sure if i should go on diet pills or what.

my question is. is medifast really that good?
is it only powder stuff?
if so. where can i get a hold of it?

Hi everyone,

I've been using Gyminee.com (free website) to monitor my eating and exercise habits. I do about 3-4 hours of cardio a week and eat around 1200 calories a day -- mostly fruits, vegetables, and protein -- and I drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. I'm a 33-year-old female who was about 10 lbs. underweight. Sometimes I go over 1200 calories, and sometimes I fall under (no less than 800 calories, though). I've lost about 8 lbs. in about two weeks. Does this sound unhealthy?

~Maria