Medifast Diet: Complete Review
The Medifast diet plan is popular.
It sits on the Forbes 200 best small companies list, and has done for 3 years.
But what is Medifast all about? One clue is the name - it contains the word fast...
The Basics
The Medifast brand has been around for a number of decades, and at one time was only available via physicians. Nowadays the products can be ordered on-line and through a number of distributors.Medifast offer a stable of meal replacement products - all generally formulated to be low-calorie and low-fat, and containing the 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 and vegetables and salad. Medifast claim a weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week on this plan.
Proof?
What many people don't realize is that very few commercial weight loss programs have ever undergone any clinical studies. Medifast heavily promote the fact that a Johns Hopkins university study has shown that Medifast results in significant weight loss (67 pound average loss in males and 57 pound average loss in females). It's worth pointing out that this study looked at patients who attended Medifast clinics.There is also an additional study that compared the Medifast program with diabetes medication. The study found Medifast more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes than an ADA-recommended program (see PR).
UPDATE: A newer study (see reference) has shown 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".
Both studies were led by Associate Professor Lawrence Cheskin of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and were funded by Medifast.
Successes
Due to the popularity of the program, Medifast have a number of "success stories" - one of which is Nnedi Uzowihe-Igwe of Maryland, USA (currently featured on the Medifast site). She also appeared in People magazine in January 2006 describing a massive transformation that resulted in a 160lb weight loss between June 2004 and April 2005. Nnedi subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to her second daughter)I was able to find out how Nnedi was going now, and she appears to have maintained her massive initial weight loss (and is aiming to lose the weight she put on with the second baby by the end of this year).
What you can expect
Drastic
Protein fasts and low-calorie meal replacements are a drastic solution, and in my opinion appropriate for drastic situations. Given the choice between gastric bypass surgery or Medifast, then Medifast must surely be a better answer.
The biggest test of a program such as Medifast is the long-term consequences - and in particular weaning off a program based around shakes and soups. The transition phase should be four to six weeks, and often starts off by introducing some oatmeal at breakfast, and some fruit for snacks. Also exercise must become a part of life (5 days a week). Exercise must be fairly low-key during the restrictive part of Medifast - but once transitioning - it becomes increasingly important.
Due to the level of energy intake and exercise levels - it is likely that some muscle loss will occur during the weight loss phase. Once again, the best course of action would be to gradually include strength training during the transition phase - and begin to build up muscle tone.
Costs
The Medifast 5 and 1 plan cost $299.50 for 4 weeks. 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).VIP membership gives a 5% discounted price as well as access to an online program (forums, meal plans etc.), free shipping. Customers can get up to 2 weeks free meals (provided they purchase two consecutive monthly orders).
Men & Women
Different formulations are used for men and women. Some shakes are called Medifast 55 or Medifast 70. The latter has a higher soy protein content and is more suitable for men (or women who prefer higher protein).A diabetic program is also offered.
Behavior Change Required
Behavioral changes are critical to the long-term success of Medifast. Unless these lifestyle changes are applied, then the weight could easily swing back on like a yo-yo. It's worth taking a look at the post 10 Questions To Ask Before Changing Your Diet.Conclusion
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, and even under medical advisement.However ample proof exists that the program does work and can lead to significant weight loss provided the transition phase is followed correctly.
See: Medifast Official Site, see also the Medifast Book.
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.
Last Updated: 25 June 2009
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I am wanting to change my eating habits and lose about 40 pounds. My husband and I are also trying to get pregnant. Does anyone know if this program can in anyway affect anything that has to do with trying to conceive...obviously if i become pregnant I will stop medifast but in the meanwhile was wondering if I could start it?
Replythanks for any info!!
Kim, This diet will cause ketosis.. a desirable state for weight loss (no hunger) , but not good at all if you're pregnant. Don't risk it. Either do the diet and hold off on trying to conceive or do something else.
I am losing pregnancy related weight. Trust me, you should lose the weight first and then get pregnant. You will feel so fat and gross after having a baby.. just makes it worse if you start off heavier than you'd like
ReplyOh wow. If you go into a pregnancy thinking you will feel "gross" after it, maybe you should adopt instead? If gaining a bit of weight to support the development of a new life will make you feel this awful, instead of happy you gave birth to a child, then pregnancy is probably not for you.
I'm sorry, I don't have kids, but this shocked me nevertheless.
ReplySorry.. yes it is totally normal to feel "gross" after pregnancy. Just because you become a mom doesn't mean that you aren't a normal woman with feelings and a desire to look good. Have a baby and you can't fit into any clothing for several months. That doesn't mean that you love your baby any less or that you aren't fit to have your own biological kids. Yes giving life is a miracle, but it doesn't make looking in the mirror any easier when you've gained too much weight.
Jan, I'm sorry but I think your post was very rude. Please ask any friends that you have with kids how they felt the first few months after they had a baby and I would bet you money that you won't find a single one that felt good about their body. Giving life is a miracle, but it's one that takes a toll on your body. It is a sacrifice that is totally worth it, but of course after having kids you want to work hard and get back to looking good as soon as possible.
Medifast is a good diet.. that's what this thread is about.. not about attacking people that don't look so hot after pregnancy.
ReplyI didn't attack anyone for not "looking hot" after pregnancy. I just said that if pregnancy is a source of misery cause you don't "look hot" immediately after it, instead of a source of joy for giving birth to a baby, then maybe people who think that way *shouldn't get pregnant at all*.
There are plenty of abandoned children out there, and maybe if you and everyone who thinks like you adopted instead, you could be happy with parenthood instead of depressed and hating yourself cause you are "not hot". You'd have the baby and the size 2 jeans at the same time, and that may free up some time to care for the baby.
I also don't think you have to love what you see in the mirror while still carrying extra weight from the pregnancy, but maybe you should *breastfeed* your child instead of going in a diet so low-calorie and ketogenic that you'll not be producing any breast milk. But hey, screw your child's immune system, at least you'll be "hot", right? The child should be your priority at least for the first 6 months (technically, for a whole 18 years or more, but that may be asking for too much).
ReplyI've nursed all of my kids for at least a year.. but there's still baby fat to lose. Yes nursing helps take care of some of the weight, unfortunately not all. Love my kids, love the miracle of life, it's amazing.
Please understand that just because you are a mom doesn't make you not want to look good. Having kids doesn't make you become a different person. Kids or no kids, I want to look beautiful for me and my husband.
Jan, I still feel like you are attacking me. It is really weird and I don't totally understand it. I never said pregnancy made me miserable. If I had to choose between having kids and being a fat blob or never having kids and being "a size 2", I would choose being a blob in a heartbeat. But we don't have to choose one or the other. I'm sorry if I'm honest. Yes my body looked bad after pregnancy, but no it doesn't have to stay that way.
Can you tell me why you think that motherhood and looking good are somehow mutually exclusive? DO you think that it's a sin to feel bad about your body after having a baby? Do you think that it makes you love your baby less?
Or perhaps can you just admit that you jumped on something that I said and was rude to a complete stranger for no real reason?
ReplyPS. One more thing.. no I don't have postpartum depression and am not unhappy with life.. just wanted to mention that.
If I didn't totally care about the health and well-being of my children I wouldn't have had natural childbirth, which believe me is no picnic.
The ONLY thing I said was that I felt "gross" after pregnancy. That's it. I feel totally attacked and truly think that an apology is in order. Yes I totally take care of my kids and will until AFTER they are 18 years old if need be.. but it sure as hell doesn't meant that I can't go on a diet.
ReplyI'm sorry that expressing my shock with your statements offended you. I do not mean to offend or attack you, but yes, I'm still shocked.
I also never said you have to look bad or anything to that effect. I'm just surprised and saddened at how many people buy into the celebrity myth that you have to be like Heidi Klum and look the same 2 weeks after giving birth. It is not that I don't think you should look good and feel good about yourself, it is that the standard that is now imposed for you to allow yourself to feel good about yourself is so unrealistic it involves *going on a diet designed for the morbidly obese* - cause that is who Medifast is meant for - just so you can look the same as fast as possible, cause if you take more than a week, you have probably already "failed" and "let yourself go". So a time that should be enjoyed with your child now has to be spent starving (cause "medically supervised fast" is indeed a form of starvation) because if you are 10lb over what you were, you don't deserve otherwise. Wow.
The shock remains.
ReplySorry if going from a size 12 to a size 8 or 10 is like Heidi Klum. I'm trying to lose 20 lbs so I can go from just slightly over a healthy BMI to a high normal. That's it.. nothing crazy.
I don't see how going on a diet interferes with time with my children. It's not like I have to go away to some distant fat camp or something.
Seriously Jan you sound like a bitter lady.. You're shocked because a mom wants to look good and go on a diet that doesn't take 6 months to lose 20 lbs. You're obviously ignorant about what raising kids means. I have many childless friends and have never met anyone that knew so little about what it means to have kids.
I can bet that any other moms that read this will be totally surprised to read that there are people like you out there. Oh well.. I guess there are all sorts of weirdos on the internet and it's just my misfortune that I ran across someone so narrow minded and full of hatred such as yourself. My guess is that you are probably a bitter and lonely person and I feel sad for you. I'm honestly not going to waste any more time talking to you. You are obviously stuck in your own little world and I'm not going to get you to even remotely see some other point of view, because evidently seeing other people's perspective is not your strong point.
So.. attention to all moms reading this blog. Jan74 thinks that it is poor parenting to go on Medifast. Oh wait? What's that? OMG.. social services is knocking down my door as we speak.... they say that if I don't stop losing weight and looking great that they are going to take my kids..... well since I'm such a horrible mother then maybe they should just take them......
ReplyI don't think it is poor parenting, I think it is unhealthy pressure imposed by a patriarchal media, and that you've swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. Luckily for you, a lot more "bitter" "weirdos" like me fought for your rights years ago, so you can now vote, drive, own property... you are welcome, by the way.
ReplyI have a beautiful 10 year old daughter. unfortunately, you do feel kind of "gross" after the excitement and the family and friends leave, you realize your body has changed. that has nothing to do with how you feel about your child.
ReplyThat was just stupid. If someone wants to look, and feel better, they should never have had their children? Where is the logic in that? There are some of us who want to lose a little weight so that we are better mothers to our children. I am trying to get into better shape, and lead a healthier lifestyle so I am a better influence on my daughter. And so I have less chance of health issues later, if I do not.
ReplyI was on medifast last year. It works. But, unfortunately I lost 45 lbs in 2 months, maybe a little too fast, I gained it back over the summer :(
you rude reaction to a honest opinion is probably the reason you dont have children why would anyone want to procreate with such a well for lack of a better word. BITCl-l ;)
ReplyConsult an OB for more information.
Getting to a healthy weight can help you conceive. However, any severely restrictive diet would harm the baby. What I've read always reccomends that you maintain a stable weight for a few months prior to getting pregnant. Try losing some of the weight then maintaining for a few months and then go for the baby. Everybody gains a little extra weight during pregnancy, it's normal and healthy for the baby. Remember that you're not REALLY "eating for two" you only need a few hundred extra calories and most people will do it without any conscious effort.
I reccomend that you attempt to achieve a healthy weight , then work on maintaining that healthy weight while consuming adequate nutrition. A stable weight is very important because weight loss releases toxins that can harm the baby while excessive weight gain can contribute to health problems for both you an dyour baby.
I wish you the best in your plans for the future.
ReplyKim, I don't think you should do this as you try to get pregnant, since very low calories can and will affect fertility. A lot of people have success using a low-carb diet while trying to conceive (obviously adding carbs again when they get pregnant), since the higher fats and calories help promote hormonal health.
ReplyI would like to add my 2 cents. First of all, I disagree with the comment about this not being a good diet if you have less than 20 lbs to lose. I don't have a lot to lose and this is working well for me. Before Medifast, I lost a lot of weight on my own watching what I ate and exercising. As I got closer to my goal, nothing I seemed to do was working. I thought that I was just going to be stuck 20 lbs over my goal. Now, after a week on Medifast, I'm 5 lbs lighter. I couldn't be happier.
Regarding the flavor. If you are used to the taste of health food, meal supplements, or meal replacements such as Slim Fast, then you will find most of the Medifast food quite good. However, if you are on the typical American high sugar/high fat diet, then this will be an initial shock to you. It will take some time to get used to. My advice? Unless you really plan on changing eating habits for the long run, don't even bother with Medifast. You will just lose all your weight, then gain it back after you return to old eating habits. However, if you give this a chance, it will change your tastebuds. You just need to be in it for the long run. Yes you can lose weight quickly.. no you won't keep it off without a real commitment to change.
If you are worried about expense, I have found that it's really not much more than I was spending on food taking into account eating out on the weekends and buying meals at the office. Also, the company seems to have a good returns policy and if worse comes to worse, Medifast seems to sell well on eBay.
One last comment: This works much quicker than other diets, so if you are the type of person that needs to see results to be motivated, this is for you.
ReplyScarlett:
I agree with you - I have about 20 pounds to lose. I lost 4.5 lbs the first week and am down 12 pounds in under 4 weeks. I think the food is great - I actually crave the bars! I tried every diet out there. I joined weight watchers right after Christmas, followed it to a tee and only lost 2.6 pounds in three weeks! I stay motivated by Medifast because of the results!
ReplyFrom reading the comments so far, it seems like a lot of people have really strong cravings after going off the medifast food, yours were FOR the medifast food. I'm quite convinced that the reason people develop these cravings after going off of Medifast is because they are lacking the nutrition that Medifast packs into their foods. Most cravings (other than general cravings for sweets or oily foods) are based on a nutritional depletion. In a nutritionally depleted world our bodies learn to recognise vitamins and minerals even in very small amounts. Magnesium deficient? You'll crave chocolate. It's not a very good source, but it IS a source. Good nutrition will help curb cravings once ending the program.
ReplyI was not a fan of the diet program HMR. In fact, it's extremely bland and limiting. I struggled with my weight for years and I went to Intelligent Health Center for some time. Sure, you've got to have a calorie deficit to lose weight, but this program is based on eating meal replacements. The meal replacements are shakes and tv dinner things. These dinners don't even need freezing. It doesn't take a nuclear physicist to figure out there is something wrong with that. They even told us we could eat them room temperature, not microwaved. Yuk.
Working out is a small part of the program, which is a disappointment. The program is also expensive and even if you're healthy, you're forced to see the Dr. (who is surprisingly rude at times) or the nurse and get labs ($$$). Here is the real problem with the program...
Their motto is "More is Better." They monitor you to make sure you are buying enough of their food and every single week you get told that the more of their food you eat, the more you lose. Ok sure, you are less likely to run to Burger King, but what in the world is someone supposed to do when they finish the program now that they're a voracious volume eater???? Oh that's right...buy more of their food!!!! Did I mention their food costs an arm and a leg? Box of shakes for $38.50 and each tiny salty entree is $3.50.
Wonder why you haven't heard more about HMR before? Because it's a miserable diet. Learn about nutrition, eat healthy and work out regularly. It's hard, but it will leave you happier, healthier, and not as broke!
ReplyI've been on this diet for 8 weeks now. I don't have a lot to lose..only about 30-40 lbs, but I've been trying to get that same weight off for the past 9 years. Shortly after turning 40, my metabolism seemed to come to a screeching halt. I'm very active...athletic and I never thought I'd have a weight problem. At 5'11" and 150 lbs I was always the long, lean model-type. Now I'm a muscular amazon-type with too much fat between the waist and the knees. In spite of the fact that I do three 40-60 minute cardio workouts a week and three 1 hour weight training sessions, my weight has not budged more than 10 lbs off my all-time high of 196 lbs. Now I'm finally seeing results, although more slowly than the Medifast diet is supposed to work. I'm down 15 lbs after 8 weeks and my clothes are fitting much better. I'm not sure what will be my optimum weight because I've built up so much muscle mass in my numerous attempts to lean up. I figure I'll start tapering off when I'm happy with what I see in the mirror. I do notice that I have less energy at the gym while I'm on the diet. I have to stop my cardio at 30 minutes and I've dropped the weight a little. I figure this is just temporary and I'll gear it back up when I phase into regular food.
ReplyHi Amazon, at 6'2 and about 192 (oops, am I really admitting to this !) I feel just like you. I have tried just about everything but nothing has ever really worked. I'm not a bad eater, exercise on and off, and have a healthy and active lifestyle. Just recently my waste and middle seem to be expanding. I was just about to try out Nutrasystem when I read about Medifast. I would like to loose about 27 pounds.
ReplyWould you recommend Medifast, and how are you doing on your diet?
Thanks
I just started MediFast today and I am excited about what to expect. I did a dr. supervised high protein diet prior to this and lost 70 pounds in 4 months. I would like to lose another 70 pounds and will be at around 115 when I reach my goal weight. I decided not do the dr. supervised diet again because it had become extremely difficult for me to stick to. It was only 9 oz of protein and 11 oz of veggies. This program seems to offer the same speed with additional food intake. It is only 2 oz less in protein but I also get to eat all the extras. I ordered a 4 week plan and we will see how it goes :) If it's slower than my past diet, I will go back to that. best of luck to all!
Replywow you lost 70lbs in 4 months?? Thats amazing! So that means you were 255 before started the Dr. supervised diet?? If you dont mind would you tell me what the diet consisted of in details because I would also love to lose 70lbs myself and we are the same weight before you lost the 70lbs. THANKS!
ReplyI am considering trying Medifast. I am a type2 diabetic and had an angioplasty and stent implant in Dec. 07. I need to lose 80 - 90 lbs. Are there any diabetics who have had good results with this diet? I am not insulin dependent, but am on oral medication. Also, for those who have lost a lot of weight quite quickly, how do you cope with excess skin? Is that a guaranteed result of such rapid weight loss? Thanks to someone for answering my quesitons.
ReplyIt's a good diet. My friend was 100 lbs overweight and was diagnosed with Diabetes and her doctor monitored her on this program. Good for people that need to loose 50+lbs according to my friends doctor.
ReplyHi, how much did your friend lose on this diet? and did she exercise??? Thanks.
ReplyMy husband and I have been on the program for 15 weeks. Todate my husband has lost 105 lbs and went from size 50 to 38 and I am down 48 lbs and went from size 20 to 14. We both have more to go. But after trying every other program out there this one is by far the best. It can not be any easir the food is good all you need is water how simple. WE have tons of more energy. Our first weeks were losing around 5 to 10 lbs now we are loosing from 1 to 5 lbs a week. The great thing is the transitin and maintence program is great. They just don't right you off. I went through there sister company. they helped with free health advisors, free nurse and docotor calls, and alot more. I encourage anyone who has to lose from 20 to 200lbs to give it a try. any wants to talk more can emial me at elise.braaten@gmail.com
ReplyI've done them all,Jenny,Nutra,W.W. and lost weight but it all came back. Now I'm trying Medifast because I need to lose weight(I am 40 lbs. over) and I just had knee surgery and will need a knee replacement (I'm only 47) due to severe arthritis and no lateral meniscus. I used to run,lift weights but now NOTHING and its only been 3 weeks post-op! I too have thyroid issues(sub-total thyroidectomy) Asked my M.D. and he felt the medifast 5 to 1 plan is okay. You're not supposed to live on the stuff. I did Jenny for 5 years plus on and off and they did not help me maintain the loss.You cannot give someone cookbooks and say Go figure it out. Besides the salt, etc. in that food is HIGH.
ReplyHere's hoping it works and I lose weight. Love reading other peoples stories. It helps! lez
OMG...good luck, i really believe that you can do it..I have faith in you even though i dont know you but i see how much you've put into losing weight with all of those other diets and even though I've never tried this diet, I think it will pay off for you..so good luck and KEEP GOING!!
ReplyThe negatives that people have had on Medifast alone, is usually that they are alone. Now, you can enjoy the fast rapid weight loss of Medifast meals with a personal health coach!
it has made the program so much more beneficial.
One of my clients lost 100 pounds in 6 months, it floors me! Normally, with just healthful living and changes I see people lose that much in one year.
I recommend Medifast because it is so quick, but I also work with my clients on breaking their worst habits permanently so that what they lose stays lost!
Julia Havey
Replywww.DrinkChooseLive.com
I've tried Optifast, Medifast, and New Lifestyle Diet and I have to say that New Lifestyle Diet by far has the best tasting shakes. Down over 65 pounds now and nothing can stop me! New Lifestyle Diet rocks!
ReplyI gained 90 pounds on medication,I lost 35 pounds as soon as I stopped taking it but I'm still 183 pounds .I've been on medifast for 2 weeks now because I have to do some thing to get down to at least 145 or 150.I realy dont have any doubt that I will be able to keep the weight off after.I might even stop medifast sooner because I dont feel Like I'm lossing anymore on medifast than without.I just cant stand to be fat anymore,My body changed in ways I never knew possible and so did my self esteem I went from 130 pounds to 220 pounds I still cant believe it.
ReplyI really think you should keep going because seeing all these testimonials on this site, I really think the diet works, i think you should just give it more time n it'll pay off i'm sure....GOOD LUCK!
ReplyWhat not recommend this diet to anyone. The pictures they show of food are false advertising. Their "meals" are terrible, not even my dog will touch it. In order to learn to diet with food, one must eat real food and learn correct types and portions, not this powder crap. Started this diet because I thought it was doctor supervised, but after 1 month still waiting for blood work results. Being treated like every other healthy, yet overweight person who comes in off the street. Into this program now with big money, so must continue. Consumer beware.
ReplyHi, I have been on medifast for 8 days now. I'm not sure if I like it or not. All the food is terrible to me, I have to add seasonings to everything. I feel like I also have absolutely no energy on this diet. I have to force myself to work out. I have been craving other foods but thats only if someone eats something good in front of me. The good thing is that I am not hungry on this diet. I don't need to cheat, but I do wish the food tasted a little better. Well hopefully I will lose the weight and love this diet.
Replywell dear u are not supposed to work out in the first month ur body needs to adjust to losing the weight on the meals and then after your body has gotten used the low calorie high protein diet then u can slowly begin to work out.
ReplyHI, everyone. I'm glad i found this blog! I have been off and on with medifast because i've been extremely depressed throughout the years. Now, i feel more better than ever and have solved the "emotional eating" problem. I feel good inside and now i feel like i'm ready to work on my physical well being. I am currently 60 pounds overweight and i'm planning on starting on the medifast program. I have one question that i'm hoping someone will have an answer to. I'm not sure about the workout part. Can i workout during the program or do i have to wait till i finish? I don't want to be all saggy. I want to be toned. I don't want anything to interfere with the medifast program. SO please if anyone knows how the workout goes, i would appreciate it. Thanks
ReplyContrary to the review, this is a great program for losing that 15-20 pounds. It is very easy to go on for a working and traveling person, as really all you need is water to mix up the products.
It works for quick weight loss.
The cons are: finding the options that are most appealing to you. I could not have a shake for lunch...so I survived on oatmeal for breakfast, a drink/latte late morning, soup for lunch, then a bar with coffee in the afternoon. I had the lean and green, then saved a pudding for a late night snack. YOu can have one additional snack as part of the program. You are not hungry if you eat this way. I work out about 4-5 days a week and this is enough calories to keep going. The results keep you on the diet. If you get super hungry, I would just have an extra MF drink or pudding...or even the oatmeal (which is the most satisfying)...and still able to lose weight. Some days I would bring in green veggies for lunch...so really you are getting a lot of food and nutrients.
Frankly I think this program is better for short-term weight loss as eating the powdered meals over a year could be very hard to sustain. If you find the right meals, they taste fine...many are actually good. But this is not enough variety for the long haul.
The biggest problem is when you get the weight off, transitioning. It is easy for the weight to come right back on. That is a problem for most any diet...but in a low carb diet, I think it is more critical to reintroduce fruit and other carbs very very gradually and let the body readjust. High sugar foods should be eaten only on extremely rare cases after a low-carb routine has been established.
ReplyHi everybody. I just wanted to say that i started the medifast program today. Anyone wants to keep in touch, lets motivate eachother. I know the road is going to be hard so communicating with someone that has similar goals helps alot. feel free to e-mail rhyminchick04@yahoo.com
ReplyP.S
I'm 5'3 and 185 pounds. Goal weight 120. So must lose 65 pounds.
I started Medifast a few weeks ago and currently down 15 lbs! Clothing fits better and I feel great. I personally like the orange cream and strawberry shakes the most. Personal opinion. I don't have much more to lose, about 10 more lbs. I think this is a GREAT diet. I highly recommend trying it. I'm not sure why so many say it's not for those who want to lose around 20 lbs or less. I disagree. Bottom line, whatever you want to lose, this is a really great choice. Good luck all!
Replyif you order medifast, do it at drinkchooselive.com, check the "be slim" club option, it's reorder, but it will give you 6 weeks for the cost of 4, and you get ME as your personal health coach and I will give you FREE copies of my book The Vice Busting Diet, endorsed by Oprah's Dr. Oz and Dr. Katz and my 26-week audio program to help you! can't get all that anywhere but drinkchooselive.com
I would love to help you realize your goals!
ReplyJulia Havey
juliahavey.com
I only have to loose 25 lbs or so to get to where I would like to be. I know that my weight gain is not extreme but I have been unable to loose weight any other way!! I have unbelivable sugar and carb cravings with a major addiction to these types of foods. This plan allows me to break that cycle and ease me back into a better way, habit, of eating. NOTHING else has been able to help me do this. I do not crave at all while on this plan and I am hardly every hungry. I only get hungry after 2.5 hours of not eating. And, the evenings are always my worst time. I am not hungry at night at all. I look forward to the transition phase and working on doing this on my own again. weight has never been an issue for me but my bmi has gone up to 26 recently and my cholesterol has gone up. This worries me because of heart disease in my family and my age which is 40.
ReplyThe range of opinions is quite broad; but mine counts! I have been on Medifast for one year. The reason I chose it was because my health "hit the wall". I had been ignoring many physician's warnings over the course of 20 years. I just LOVED eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. And so, I became 322 pounds, on high blood pressure meds, pre-diabetic and having severe arthritic symptoms. Then my hip "blew out" and I was on pain meds to keep my sanity. That was a "Wake Up!" call. Thankfully, it could've been worse with a stroke? At any rate, I listened to my body and came to grips with the fact that I was a Food Addict. I needed to alter my thinking and approach to eating habits. I selected Medifast because I needed the pre-packaged foods, variety and detailed daily plan to eat every 2-3 hours. It was a tough go for the first 2 months, but my family was a wonderful support. Within 10 more months, I have "lost" 108 pounds, and have only 30 more to meet my goal. This difficult yet necessary journey has resulted in my forever viewing food in a different light. I've had a hip replacement and through the recovery, gotten back to healthy exercise and recreation such as bike riding, aqua therapy and walking. Life is good! I feel great, I am devoted to this product and believe it would help many others who are READY to make a change from the habit of mindless eating, and swallowing the CRAP that is around us in our culture.
ReplyWell congrats on your massive weight loss! thats incredible! but i have a question; did you exercise while on this program?? and if you didnt, did your skin get saggy?? because I plan on doing just like you on the program but i dont want my skin to get saggy...thanks
ReplyThe medifast does work. at least to lose the weight. I lost 40 lbs in two months last year, unfortunately, and maybe because I lost it too quickly, I gained it back over the summer.
ReplyI am considering this again, but this time I am joining a gym when I am done, and maybe nutrition counseling.
I started this 10 days ago and have lost 13 pounds aready. Once I figured out the "lean and green" mix (which is really not difficult) i find that I'm not hunger and if I am I just have an approved snack. I look forward to much more success!
Replyjust ordered my first shipment of New Lifestyle diet. I've tried every diet plan out there except for this. I thought I might as well give this one a try. Last diet was nutrisystem and I lost 10lbs in 3 months. I hope this diet is more successful.
ReplyI have been recommending Medifast to my readers for a few months now and have been amazed at how well people are doing on it.
I have never been a fan of fasting or liquid diets and Medifast ISN'T one of those! You get 5 Medifast meals and they can be pudding, bars, shakes, oatmeal--even soups and then one lean/green meal you make yourself and can be what the whole family eats.
IT's awesome!
With TSFL you can get a health coach for FREE with your Medifast order. I would love to be your health coach. I lost 130 pounds, have written two weight loss books, Awaken the Diet Within (Warner Books) and The Vice Busting Diet (St. Martin's Press)--which is endorsed by Oprah's Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. David L. Katz!
If you sign up for Medifast w/ me, you get my coaching and an ebook copy of The Vice Busting Diet and my online program from www.ViceBusting.com; to get these you must sign up at www.DrinkChooseLive.com for your Medifast meals.
I hope to help you change your life, and your body forever!
Julia Havey
Replywww.JuliaHavey.com
can you tell me your typical menu for the day? Thank you. I would like to give it a try.
ReplyGreat solution... I think it could to try.
ReplyThe Medifast Weightloss Program worked very well for my father. After reading your review, I decided to sign him up and give it a trial run. Thank you
ReplyRich
Another program very similar to this is called Optifast and is run through kaiser healthcare. I did the optifast program, and it worked very well, lost 60 lbs in 30 weeks. The thing I like about optifast more than medifast, it the fact that it is medically monitored. You have your blood taken every other week to make sure potassium levels are up, and you attend a support group everyweek. They also have classes you attend once a week after you loose the weight you want called mantaince classes. They are to help you keep with you weight loss and keep you accoutable. I do also like the medifast because it has more options and if you do not have time to attend a class once a week (which you should) it is convienant.
ReplyI just started...1st week 5 lbs!!! Can anyone tell me how much exercise I should be doing to keep this level of loss? I spoke to one person that said he never did any exercise, but I think men are different. I saw here that some people didn't like the food. I find if you take to time to make sure it is mixed well, it tastes just fine.
ReplyWith all due respect to the criticisms noted, very few of them cover the factual data that supports healthy weight loss.
Ketosis levels in any overweight human who is still being fed the nutrients and proteins to feed their body adequately will not endanger organs because the fat is being consumed, not the organs.
The Medifast plan is not a starvation diet and ketosis levels can be monitored, while all needed nutrients and acceptable levels of proteins, carbs and fats are still being consumed daily.
To summarize,
I'd be much more prone to believe the experts that supervise and conduct the tests that support safe weight loss and healthy eating perspectives than those of an armchair blogger using half-truths and grade school sarcasm to criticize a plan that has been shown to be medically safe and extremely effective in changing people's perspectives and their overall health.
ReplyI've been on the Medifast plan for ten days after researching and talking to several people, some extremely obese and others who are not.
I have seen firsthand how important our relationship with food is and how distorted it is played out on TV and elsewhere.
In this "Land of Plenty", it is important to remember why we consume food and to separate our needs and comforts from our desires and indulgences.
I went into the plan needing to lose about 25-30 lbs. and I could have opted to choose more strenuous exercise and better food options instead.
But my wife and I decided to do it together and we have adjusted and seen some very positive results in the first 2 weeks, averaging about a pound/day.
"Doing the research" involves studying the science of the effects of each program on the body as well as the psychology involved in our relationship with food.
I had only about 10 lbs to lose, have been on Medifast for almost 2 weeks and have lost about 6. That doesn't sound like a lot but when you are that close to your desireable weight you don't lose as quickly. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to jumpstart their weight loss, as I do. I am only doing it for 2 weeks. After that I plan to do one shake and one crunch bar per day, and eat small, lean meals the rest of the day. However, I was already eating pretty healthy foods before I started this.
Let's face it, any diet you choose will only work as hard as you do - you need to educate yourself about food and nutrition, use some self control, and exercise regularly to see any long term change in your body.
Incidentally, I found the chocolate shakes, crunch bars and scrambled eggs more than tolerable, and I have not been hungry at all - also I have had plenty of energy on the program. I'm sure that if you are used to eating a lot of food every day and suddenly go on this diet, you are going to feel some protest from your body.
In summary, I think it's a good temporary diet that should gradually be replaced by sensible eating and exercise.
ReplyJust ordered the 2 week plan. I am hoping that this diet will work for me. I am usually pretty good when it comes to the flavor of diet food... you either want to lose the weight and give it a chance or your really not ready to commit.Well this time I am really ready to COMMIT. I look at my kids and think ..I have to do this or they will be taking care of me soon! Wish me luck! 85 lb goal.
ReplyHello
ReplyI did the Medifast diet in 2006 I lost 50 lbs. went from a size 16 to a size 6. It is now 2009 and I have maintained my weight loss. I love Medifast it changed my life
I am a health coach and what I do is help others by being there for support, giving tips, and tricks and recepies. They have what is called a 5 & 1 program
you eat six small meals a day...
5 meals are foods provided by medifast
1 meal is a lean meat and 3servings of veggies
I absolutely love it and it costs about $10 a day. Everything is portioned for you all the nutrients and vitamins are in the foods so there is no need to take and pills with the diet. It took a couple days of getting used to but I love it and I am down 23lbs.. and I barely even exercise.. hmmm speaking of which I should probably do that... But they stress not to work out more than 45 min a day. like I said I barely workout... my job is somewhat physical.
A lot of the food is soy based so if you never had soy before that takes some getting used to. Some people love soy, others hate soy. I like certain food while hating others...
ReplyThey is a large variety of food. but the basics are
Soups, Shakes, Pudding, Crunch Bars, Oatmeal, Fruit drinks, and eggs. There is a large variety of flavors and then of course you also get to eat lean meat and veggies too.
this is just a basic rundown.
If you would like more info e-mail me at lose2win219@aol.com
I have been on Medifast for a couple of weeks now & really like the plan. My own concern is the controversy over soy products & breast cancer. Does anyone have any researched info to add on this?
ReplyI'm starting medifast next thursday and I'm super excited. My friend has been doing it for a week and lost 6 pounds already. I'm 22 though and very social so does anyone know if drinking is going to really screw this up for me? Vodka has low calories and low carbs. Say, in sugar free koolaid? I think it would be ok, I just thought I'd bounce the idea off of you folks.
ReplyJust my opinion, Molly. Drinking in itself is probably not that big a problem except for the well known health dangers of alcohol. The problems arise when in that less than cautious state, people tend to eat more than they had intended.
ReplyMolly,
ReplyMy friend had been doing the Medifast diet for about a month and a half and decided she could go out and have a drink or two. She had two small drinks for the entire nigth and stayed on her normal diet. The next week she didn't lose any weight! The week after she lost a pound a day. (Which was the pace she had been on before drinking.) If you want to keep drinking this diet is NOT for you!
I,ve been on Medifast for about 3 weeks now, I've lost 5lbs but about 80% of the food tastes terrible and because of this it's been a struggle sticking to the program.
ReplyI have been on Medifast a little over a week...have lost 4 pounds. Most of the foods are just okay...soups definitely need extra seasoning. (Peanut butter bars are probably my favorite. Fruit drinks-YUK! My biggest concern is that the texture of my hair has changed. It feels like I haven't rinsed out the conditioner...kind of dirty. Any one else have this problem?
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