Medifast

If you are looking for quick weight loss, Medifast may be for you. Before you buy that smaller size outfit, however, get all the details of the diet program here.

What is Medifast?

This Maryland-based company has been around for 28 years, and is led by former marine colonel, Bradley Y. MacDonald. Jason Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary company of Medifast, is responsible for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of the all the products that are central to the plan. Meal replacements, including bars, shakes, puddings, and soups compliment Medifast Meals. This relatively high protein, low carbohydrate diet forces your body to go into a ketosis state of energy usage. It is also extremely low in calories and low in fat.

How It Works

Marketed as a medically supervised program, Medifast bases itself on a daily intake of a certain amount of Medifast Meals and one small meal. Here is an outline of the structured program:

• 5 & 1 Plan: You choose 5 of the meal replacements and one "lean and green" meal. This meal consists of 7 ounces of lean meat, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Alternately, you can eat 5 ounces of lean beef, pork, or lamb. You are allowed to use 1 to 2 teaspoons of ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce. Two cups of salad, a half cup of raw vegetables, and one to two tablespoons of low carbohydrate salad dressing accompanies your protein selection. If you prefer, you can have one and a half cups of cooked vegetables instead of a salad. This step is followed for as long as necessary to lose the desired amount of weight.

• Maintenance Plan: With a gradual increase in calories, this step is followed for a two to three week period. During this time, the transition is as follows:
  • Day 1-4: Choose 5 Medifast Meals, the serving of protein, the salad , plus one cup of additional vegetables.
  • Day 5-8: Choose 4 Medifast Meals, the serving of protein, salad, and additional vegetable, plus one cup of fresh or canned fruit of choice.
  • Day 9-12: Same as the previous four days, but add three quarters of a cup of milk, yogurt, or cheese (dairy).
  • Day 13-16: Same as previous four days, but add one serving of starch, such as small potato, slice of bread, or half cup of cereal or pasta.
  • Day 17 and beyond: Choose one to three Medifast Meals per day along with a “healthy diet”.

Further Requirements

• Eat every two to three hours.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of non-caloric beverages, preferably water.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
• Diets can drink no more than three caffeinated beverages a day.
• Artificial sweeteners can be used.
• No fruit beyond recommended amount is to be eaten.
• Sugar-free gum and mints are allowed, but no more than five pieces per day.
• No multivitamin is necessary.
• Exercise for 30 – 45 minutes, five days a week is recommended.

The Medifast Products and Cost

There are over 60 food products from which to choose for your meal replacements. The shake mixes are the most popular items. The citrimax shake differs from the regular shake, as it contains an appetite suppressant ingredient known as citrimax. Here is a breakdown of some but not all of the packages available:

• Medifast for Women 4-Week Package with 143 meals at $289.95
• Medifast for Women 2-Week Package with 70 meals at $149.95
• Medifast for Men 4-Week Package with 143 meals at $289.95
• Medifast for Men 2-Week Package with 70 meals at $149.95
• Medifast for Diabetes 4-Week Package with 143 meals at $289.95
• Medifast for Diabetes 2-Week Package with 70 meals at $149.95
• Medifast 55 Shakes $14.50
• Medifast 70 Shakes $14.50
• Medifast Plus for Appetite Suppression $14.50

Products specifically geared for women that are enhanced with herbs such as black cohosh, chaste tree bark, and Echinacea are also available. A joint health product line is also available that is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin. Finally, there is a heart health product line that has added CoEnzyme Q10, which is known for decreasing arterial plaque, and added amino acids, which are known for preventing fatty acid build-up in the heart.

While there is no registration fee or member dues, the meal replacements can be costly. There are also program products such as guidebooks ($2.00), shaker containers ($3.99), and journal books ($2.95) for sale, although these types of items are not required.

Does It Work?

The Medifast Diet was designed by doctors at John Hopkins to help cardiac patients who needed to lose weight fast before surgery. Weight loss is reported and expected with such a low daily caloric intake. Maintaining weight loss may be difficult as the program is vague on how to address meal planning without their products. Portion control is easy when actively on the Medifast plan, but lifestyle changes and eating habits are central aspects to their philosophy. For a bit of motivational support, there is downloadable literature available that includes: daily success tracker, holiday survival guide, product order form, product nutrition profiles, and a diabetic guide. Live chats are also available, although you may experience a bit of a sales pitch.

Side Effects and Health Caution

Since the products are soy-based and contain a good amount of lactose, gastrointestinal side effects may be experienced. This may include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and cramping. Also, because of the ketosis process, bad breath is a common side effect. Skin rashes and hair loss may occur as well.

It is highly suggested that you contact your physician before following the Medifast plan. Individuals with liver, kidney, or heart disease should not follow the plan. Also, pregnant and/or nursing women should not follow the plan. There is an extensive list on the company’s website that should be read in its entirety before beginning the diet program.

by Cheryl Zielke