The commercial internet-based weight loss system eDiets began in 1988, and its meal-delivery service began in 2006. The two programs differ widely in scope and method, although both have at their base the concept of cutting calories to lose weight. The effectiveness of both programs remains unknown, but dieters looking for an internet weight loss system or meal delivery service with online support might want to consider eDiets as an option.
eDiets Online
The online diet program by eDiets offers a variety of diet options, each of which can be tailored to the individual dieter's specific requirements. Options include a Mediterranean-based plan, one based on the glycemic index, a plan for diabetics, a low-fat option, a vegetarian diet, diets low in sodium or sugar and diets free of wheat or lactose. All plans include an exercise component, tracking tools, recipes and online support. Specific plans designed for specific conditions follow guidelines from respected organizations. For example, the eDiets Heart Smart plan uses guidelines from the American Heart Association.
eDiets Meal Delivery
The eDiets meal delivery service provides weekly delivery of either five or seven days worth of food. The dieter chooses meals from over 100 available options and can pause or halt shipments at any time. Live online support from registered dietitians and fitness plans are included. Unlike some other meal delivery diet services, eDiets does not require the dieter to purchase any additional foods to supplement the diet.
Methods
Both the eDiets online plans and meal delivery system use portion control and calorie control to help dieters lose weight. Dieters on either plan typically lose about 1.5 to 2 lbs. per week, which is a healthy rate of weight loss according to Medline Plus. The specific amount of calories the dieter will consume is determined individually and depends on the dieter's weight, height and body mass index.
Concerns
As with most meal delivery systems, the eDiets meal delivery service might be too expensive to follow long-term. The full seven-day meal service, including shipping fees, is about $160 per week as of April 2011. The online plan costs $17.96 for four weeks of access. The delivery service also does not teach you to prepare healthy meals on your own, so you risk gaining weight when you stop using the service. The online program might be more effective for long-term maintenance, but the success of internet weight loss programs remains under study. A 2004 study in the journal "Obesity Research" found that dieters who used a diet manual based on the USDA Food Pyramid lost more weight than participants on eDiets.
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