Medifast weight loss clinics have been around since 1980. According to the Medifast website, clinical studies indicate that Medifast's weight loss program is both safe and effective. However, Medifast is not without criticism; according to EveryDiet.Org, one problem with this particular diet is that it may be difficult for you to make the transition back to regular meals.
About Medifast
Medifast is a weight loss program that relies on use of prepackaged, nutritionally balanced meal-replacement supplements, or MMRS. According to the Medifast website, more than 70 types of MMRS are available through the diet program, including shakes, stews, soups, oatmeal, chili, scrambled eggs, teas, bars, pretzels, puddings and other low-calories snacks and beverages. According to EveryDiet.Org, one low-fat meal is also a part of the diet plan. Calories are limited to between 800 and 1,000 daily.
Weight Loss
Medifast MMRs will bring about quick weight loss, says EveryDiet.Org -- between 2 and 5 lbs. per week. An evaluation published in the June 2008 issue of "Eating and Weight Disorders" examined the efficacy of Medifast MMRs among 1,351 people with a body mass index, or BMI, at or greater than 25 for 52 weeks. Participants also took a prescription appetite suppressant. According to University of Missouri researchers, most participants noted a 10 percent reduction in weight at both the 24- and 52-week markers. Twenty-five percent of the participants were still participating in the Medifast program at the end of one year. Researchers indicate the attrition rate was relatively low compared to other diet programs using MMRs because participants self-referred to the study, were medically supervised and made a substantial financial investment in the weight loss program.
Long-Term Changes
Prepackaged, formula diets such as Medifast can be of benefit if you have difficulty controlling your portion sizes. Because your dietary choices are restricted, this also takes all of the guesswork out of preparing meals that keep daily calories low. However, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center cautions that it's unclear if permanent success is possible on diets that do all of your work for you. Unless you learn how to eat healthfully once you're off the diet, you make be at risk for returning to the same eating habits that you had before.
Cost
Another problem you might have with Medifast is the cost of the packaged foods and drinks. According to EveryDiet.Org, the average cost per week is around $75, although dieters may get additional discounts by enrolling in the Medifast VIP program. Also, as indicated in the University of Missouri, participants who successfully lost weight on Medifast were also prescribed an appetite suppressant and were under medical supervision. The added cost of prescription drugs and visits to your physician may make successful weight loss using Medifast cost-prohibitive.
Other Tips
Medifast is generally chosen by people with a BMI at or greater than 30 whose obesity puts them at risk for health complications, such as high blood pressure. Also, keep in mind that Medifast stresses the importance of making other lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising for 30 to 45 minutes five days out of the week to maintain your weight loss goals -- this is crucial during the maintenance phase of the diet plan as you transition back to normal food. If you have questions as to whether Medifast or a similar weight loss program is appropriate for you, talk to your treating physician.
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