Losing weight can seem like a never-ending battle. Products such as Medifast Meal Replacement aim to ease that battle, giving you a clear, concise and easy to follow way to diet. Medifast is a weight loss method using portion control as its primary technique. Guided plans steer you along the program's path, thus taking the hard work and guessing out of losing weight.
History
Medifast was introduced in 1980 by Jason Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company founded by Dr. William Vitale. Since then, more than 20,000 physicians have recommended Medifast to their patients, according to the company's website. More than 80 percent of Medifast foods are produced in the Jason Pharmaceuticals plant in Owings Mills, Maryland.
Products
Individually packaged Medifast meals are mixed with water, and then microwaved or refrigerated. They are available in shakes, soups, stews, chili, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit drinks, iced tea, hot beverages, bars, puddings, pretzel sticks and cheese puffs. Each meal contains protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Flavor Infusers -- packets of flavor to add to water, soy crisps and crackers are also available, but they are not considered meal options.
Method
Medifast terms its method a "5 & 1 plan." This method consists of five Medifast meals each day, plus one "Lean and Green Meal." Any combination of the Medifast meals may be consumed to meet the requirements of the five meals. The Lean and Green Meal consists of 5 oz. to 7 oz. of lean protein, plus three servings of Medifast approved vegetables.
Who Can Benefit
There are different programs available for various populations. Women, men, vegetarians, diabetics and exercisers all have specific programs. A standard program is also available that can be tailored to fit the needs of nursing mothers, teens, seniors or gout patients, using the population-specific guidelines developed by Medifast.
Clinical Studies
A 2004 study published in "Human Nutrition and Metabolism" found meal replacement diets to be equally as effective as structured conventional weight-loss diets. Participants were able to be more consistent with meal replacement diets, though, due to convenience. An article in the "International Journal of Obesity" in 2003 examined six clinical studies on meal replacement efficacy. Based on these studies, the authors concluded that meal replacement diets are a safe and effective way to reduce fat mass and decrease weight-related risk factors for disease.
References
- Medifast
- Medifast Guide: History of Medifast
- "Human Nutrition and Metabolism": Meal Replacements are as Effective as Structured Weight-Loss Diets for Treating Obesity in Adults with Features of Metabolic Syndrome
- "International Journal of Obesity": Weight Management Using a Meal Replacement Strategy: Meta and Pooling Analysis from Six Studies
Member Comments