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 have been on medifast for 6 months and I have lost 85 lbs. this is working. All my blood chemicals are where they belong. Still have several months to go, but I am committed and the prepackaged food helps. I do not crave antyhing. I eat the things in the plan that I like. I feel like it is a treat to lose weight and enjoy what I am eating.
ReplyJust started Medifast - I'm a 49-year old guy trying to trim up before turning the big 5-0. 1 week, a little over 5 pounds. I've tried many diet programs - WW, Jenny, Atkins, Nutrisystem, Chef's Diet. I'm very good at losing weight - but unfortunately, a little bit better about putting it back on! :) So far, I think M/F is pretty easy to follow. I think the bars are VERY TASTY, and I like most of the shakes and soups too. Oatmeal is pretty rough, I agree, as are the powdered eggs. Would much prefer to sub a cup of Egg Beaters but I'll follow the program. Here's the deal - all of these things WORK - i.e., follow the program and lose the weight. The real key is how you perform on maintenance. For me, the jury's out. But I would not shy away from this because of the food - it's pretty good - way better (in my opinion) than NutriSystems, Slimfast, or Isagenix shakes.
Good luck all!
ReplyI have suffered serious health problems after my weight loss (20 lbs) on Medifast. I lost 5 pounds of muscle, and have shoulder, arm, and hand issues. My physician was supposed to be monitoring the program. A co-worker got kidney stones. Beware if you are over 60.
ReplyI have been successful on Medifast. I am getting ready to transition to food however. Will a low-carb diet help me with that?
ReplyIf successful to lose a lot of weight with medifast, how does one maintain a thin lifestyle?
Replyhelp please!
i am a 16 y/o girl im very much over weight and i have heard so so much bout medifast should i try it? is it healthy? please please please i need feedback
ReplySometimes I wonder if anyone ever reads this far down, but I just want to report what information (and opinions) I have to give to you.
ReplyI'm in highschool, and I started the diet 3 days ago. Apparently the "first three days" are supposed to be the hardest, but I've had no trouble with them. I'm also on a different sort of plan-- no lean and green for me. For me, it's not so much different that normal. I'd have some sort of breakfast shake made with slimfast in the morning, skip food until 4 when I get home, eat, get on the computer and snack, then have dinner with my mom.
And now it's a bit different. No gorging when I get home, but I drink two shakes at school, one when I get home and one at the indeffinite "later".
I don't get mine online, I have a doctor whom I visited twice before the start, and I'm also required to talk to a shrink-like lady, around every two weeks. I'm also allowed to drink any 0-calorie diet drink under the sun, and I only once in a great while had any soda.
The only shakes I'm particularly fond of are vanila, chocolate, and mint-chocolate. I didn't like mocha much, and I didn't bother to try strawberry (You really can't duplicate that, can you?) and two other berrie ones (Meh, what can you expect from a teen?). You can mix vanilla and diet Rootbeer to make a decent tasting Float, but it's not hard to get creative. Diet sprite and berries sound like a decent combination.
I get plenty of excersise-- P.E. every day, Karate Tues. and Thur. at school (only lasts 4 more weeks, though) and when I don't have a Psyc. or Doc. appointement, I usually walk home. It's a two mile walk, so plenty of excercise for me. (Although it's worth it to add that I only walk home about 3 days a week, now.)
I just want the word to get out that this is avaliable for females 14 or older, and guys having to be a bit older (maturation thing). Hell, tell yourself "if this little punk lady can do it, I can do it too!" if it helps. But there are downsides, of course.
Most notable to me is the "light headedness" when you stand from a sitting position. I stand, take a few steps, then feel a wave of med. intensity dizziness come over me, with a few seconds of fadingg vision, and then a strong pumping of blood to my head, with has a slightly painful feeling. Honest to God, I rather like it, maybe like the way you like... popping your knuckles or grinding your teeth, maybe.
I pay (or rather, my mom pays) 75 dollars a week for my food. My health insurance covers the psch and doc! More money saved for new clothes, hmm?
Onto the few facts, and some experiences, I know myself. He explained ketones to me like this "If a fox is starving in the jungle, is he gonna be bent over in hunger pains, or is he gonna run just as fast as he can to get that rabbit?" This explains why, when eating 500 cals a day, I feel fine. Supposedly it hasn't kicked in yet, but I've been feeling not able to run faster in P.E., exactly, but to recover faster, and do it again.
More facts-- there are 1000 calories in a pound of fat. If you starve yourself, though, why doesn't the fat go away? It's because we need our vitamins! So it goes to our muscles, which has those. These packets have what we need, but few calories, so that's why it's so fast. And what do muscles do (especially newly developed muscles)? They burn fat! This is why it is very important to get excersise in ANY diet.
Well, wish me luck, hmm? I wish the best for you on whatever journey you may take. Good luck to you, and you, and you! And me too, yeah? I hope to maybe check back and see if I can help any later.
I have tried other diets… Fat Loss for Idiots and the Southbeach Diet with good results. But as soon as I stopped their plans, the weight slowly came back. Plus, talking with my doc, the FL4I diet is not very good for the system. I was referred to Medifast’s 5&1 plan and started the end of April and have lost 26# of my 42# goal. Dropped 3 pant sizes and lost 135 total overall inches! I have stepped off the plan a number of times due to family gatherings, vacations and a wedding and was surprised at how little weight came back. It was so much help to have a health coach (miofit.com) that was able to step me through the process.
The L&G meals are simple! My husband and I were eating out every night due to his strange work schedule and I just set the time that I want to cook (mostly on the BBQ or grill), eat and have his meal waiting for him.
I also work out on Wii Active, swim in a resistance pool, ride a recumbant bike as well as walk the mall. I am now up to 50 minutes of exercise a day and feel absolutely great!
I am allergic to artificial sweeteners and found most of their meals do not include them. I have found the types of meals that suit me and taste the best: Their Antioxidant shakes, chocolate pudding, their new crunch bars are yummy, as well as their Momentum cappuccino and Chai Latte.
I highly recommend this diet to anyone! Just be sure to make regular visits to your doctor especially if you are on any medications to make sure the dosages are adjusted accordingly.
Reply