The Medifast diet consists of eating mainly prepackaged Medifast meal replacements until you reach your desired weight loss. For $300 you get a month’s worth of meal replacements, to be consumed five times per day. Medifast states that dieters can lose up to 20 pounds per month on their plan.
The premise of this diet is that by following a low-calorie diet the body will go into a state of mild ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the body does not have enough calories to use for fuel and turns to stored body fat and muscle to meet energy needs. According to Medifast, their meals contain a “proven combination of carbohydrates and protein” that helps the body to break down fat—not muscle—for fuel.
The Medifast diet is divided into three phases: 5 & 1 plan, transition, and maintenance.
The core part of the diet is the 5 & 1 plan, which you follow until you reach your desired weight loss. During this time you get to eat six times per day: five Medifast prepackaged meal replacements and one “lean and green” meal. Medifast provides over 70 meal replacements to choose from, such as soups, shakes, and bars.
All of these products are fortified with vitamins and minerals to help you meet your nutrient needs, which would otherwise be difficult to do since this diet only provides around 800-1,000 calories per day. You provide the daily “lean and green” meal, which consists of 5-7 ounces of lean meat, fish, or poultry, plus 1-2 cups of vegetables or salad. Meat-free recommendations are also made for vegetarians. Meals are supposed to be consumed every 2-3 hours so you won't feel too hungry.
After you reach your desired weight loss, you begin the transition phase, which gradually reintroduces you to “regular” food and increases your calorie intake. The final phase of this diet is maintenance, during which you are encouraged to eat mostly regular foods along with some Medifast meals and work continuously to balance the calories you eat with those that you expend. This is done so that you maintain your current weight.
This diet plan offers programs for both women and men, as well as specific populations:
The Medifast plan recommends that its subscribers also engage in regular exercise. Specifically, they recommend low to moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking starting at 10 minutes per day for three days a week and increasing as tolerated.
Maryland, California, Texas, Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida also have weight-loss centers where you can receive in-person, customized support.
Research suggests that going on a meal replacement diet can be a safe and effective way to lose weight for people if they can stick with the diet. Moreover, studies have found that these diets can help people keep the weight off and thereby lower their risk of weight-related conditions. Also, one study found that women on a meal replacement diet were more likely to meet their vitamin and mineral requirements than those on a food-based, calorie-restricted diet. A study sponsored by Medifast, also found that the diet may promote fat loss, not muscle loss.
There is also some research suggesting that meal replacement diets, such as Medifast, may be helpful for people with diabetes who need to lose weight. A study conducted at John Hopkins University found that a diet consisting of portion-controlled meal replacements helped obese people with diabetes lose weight and maintain that loss for one year. It can also help diabetic patients with their blood sugar control.
However, there is no research to support the idea that you should avoid certain healthful foods, such as whole grains , low-fat dairy products, and fresh fruit , to help promote weight loss. These foods are still an important source of nutrients, and fruits and whole grains are naturally high in fiber. The diet does include these foods in the transition and maintenance phase of the program, but not in the 5 & 1 plan. Also the plan's meals are nutrient-fortified, so you are still getting some essential vitamins from the meals.
This is a low-calorie diet. Therefore, talk to your doctor before starting this diet. Because it is so low in calories, it should not be followed by certain groups of people, including women who are pregnant and very active individuals. Medifast warns of potential side effects, such as constipation , dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, feeling cold, and dry skin or hair.
While the Medifast diet is not recommended for everyone because it is so low in calories, it may help some individuals with their desired weight loss. Before investing in this diet, consider meeting with a registered dietitian to help you determine what type of diet is best for you.
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org
Choosing a Successful Weight-loss Program
Weight-control Information Network
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada's Food Guide
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca
References:
Ashley JM, Herzog H, Clodfelter S, Bovee V, Schrage J, Pritsos C. Nutrient adequacy during weight-loss interventions: a randomized study in women comparing the dietary intake in a meal replacement group with a traditional food group. Nutrition Journal. 2007. 6:12. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-6-12.
Cheskin LJ, Mitchell AM, Jhaveri AD, et al. Efficacy of meal replacements versus a standard food-based diet for weight loss in type 2 diabetes: a controlled clinical trial. Diabetes Educ. 2008;34:118-27.
Davis LM, Coleman C, Kiel J, et al. Efficacy of a meal replacement diet plan compared to a food-based diet plan after a period of weight loss and weight maintenance: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrition Journal. 2010 Mar 11; 9:11. Available at: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/11.
Heymsfield SB, van Mierlo CA, van der Knaap HC, Heo M, Frier HI. Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003; 27(5):537-549.
Medifast website. Available at: http://www.medifast1.com. Accessed April 30, 2008.
Last reviewed January 2010 by Maria Adams, MA
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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