What Is The Philosophy Of The Medifast Diet?

The brainchild of Dr. William Vitale, Medifast was originally a weight loss plan that required medical supervision. Today, the production arm of Medifast, Jason Pharmaceuticals, sells meal-replacement shakes, bars and soups to consumers as well as to medical doctors. Since its inception in the 1980s, Medifast has grown in popularity and studies indicate it can be an effective method for losing weight and for controlling blood sugar. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition," a weight loss of between 2 and 5 lb. per week is common on the Medifast diet.

The Program

Medifast bills itself as a "portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced" program that claims to help dieters lose weight faster than other traditional diet plans. The "Gale Encyclopedia" reports that Medifast uses low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and low-fat meal replacement products, manufactured and sold by Jason Pharmaceuticals. No other foods are allowed.

Calories

To jump-start weight loss, Medifast starts dieters on the 5 & 1 plan that provides only 800 to 1,000 calories, through their meal replacement products, per day. After losing the desired weight, the dieter enters a transition phase and consumes more calories. However, if the dieter gains 5 lb. or more, he returns to the 5 & 1 plan until he loses the added weight.

Carbohydrates vs. Protein

Medifast induces ketosis, a physical state in which the body burns fat rapidly due to very low consumption of carbohydrates. In addition to its low calorie count, Medifast relies upon ketosis for quick weight loss. Medifast meal replacement products are high in protein, on average around 11 g and low in carbohydrates, usually less than 14 g per serving, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia."

Supplements

Medifast recommends and sells omega-3 dietary supplements in addition to its shakes and other products. According to Medifast, omega-3 makes the dieter feel full, is good for the heart and encourages weight loss. Clinical studies confirming Medifast's claims about omega-3 are lacking.

Cost

Medifast, as of 2010, costs approximately $11 per day, when purchasing a monthly plan, according to the Medifast official website. The manufacturer advises dieters to consult their physicians and their health insurance policies for potential insurance coverage. The plan is more expensive if the meal replacement products are purchased individually.

Considerations

The Medifast program is not for everyone. Those who have a history of heart disease, stroke, a clotting disorder, liver or kidney disease, peptic ulcer, cancer, seizures or an eating disorder, should not start the Medifast diet, unless directed to do so by their physicians. Medifast may not be safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Medications and alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of the diet. Before starting any diet, consult your doctor for advice.