Medifast, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are all well-respected names in the diet industry. The plans they offer are sound and effective, though their approaches vary. To join Weight Watchers, you must need to lose at least 5 lb. To use Medifast, you must be at least 30 percent above your ideal weight. All programs provide for a transition into maintenance and a maintenance plan. The Medifast plan consists of five meal replacement products daily plus one "lean and green" meal consisting of lean protein and nonstarchy vegetables. The Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers plans consist of meals plus snacks throughout the day.
Considerations
Weight Watchers is the least restrictive program because you can have any food you like so long as you count it toward your daily food intake. Jenny Craig is the most restrictive because all of your meals are planned out for you ahead of time. With Medifast you have flexibility in your choice of meal replacement products and foods for the lean and green meal.
Features
On Weight Watchers, you purchase and prepare your own food; Weight Watchers food products, available at most grocery stores, are for convenience only and are not required. On Medifast and Jenny Craig, you purchase meal replacement products or prepackaged meals, respectively. The Medifast program calls for one "lean and green" meal daily from your own food. Jenny Craig meals are supplemented with grocery purchases. Both Medifast and Jenny Craig products must be purchased online or through an authorized vendor/center.
Types
Medifast is considered a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet plan. Caloric intake of Medifast meal replacement products is approximately 800 to 1,000 calories total per day depending on your choices.
Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are considered low-calorie diet plans. Caloric intake on Jenny Craig is between 1,000 and 2,600 calories daily, depending on the plan you follow. Caloric intake on Weight Watchers averages 1,250 daily for women and 1,600 daily for men.
Support
Medifast offers free online support and free health coaching through their Take Shape for Life program. Jenny Craig requires weekly meetings either in person or by telephone, and offers group sessions. Weight Watchers offers weekly group meetings with personalized counseling available in select markets; long-term participation in the program is encouraged.
Pricing
There are no membership or enrollment fees with Medifast. The cost of food averages $300 monthly plus shipping when you purchase variety packages, slightly more if you do not purchase variety packages; discount specials are offered. Additional costs include food for the lean and green meal plus any add-ons or other materials you wish to purchase. Most educational materials are available at no charge at the Medifast website.
Jenny Craig charges a program fee, which varies depending on the program you choose. The cost of food is less than $5 per meal.
Weight Watchers charges a registration fee plus weekly meetings fees, which vary by location; it offers several different packages that provide savings. Food is purchased separately.
Special Needs
Medifast offers programs for seniors, vegetarians and people with diabetes. Jenny Craig offers programs for people who have diabetes or hypoglycemia, are breastfeeding or require kosher or vegetarian meals. Weight Watchers offers a vegetarian plan along with plans for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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