The Medifast diet plan is popular.
Forbes recently placed the company at number 28 in their 200 best small companies list), and Medifast have even produced a book (What Physicians Have Always Known About Weight Loss).
But what is Medifast all about? One clue is the name - it contains the word fast...
The Basics
The Medifast brand has been around for a number of decades, and at one time was only available via physicians. Nowadays the products can be ordered on-line and through a number of distributors.
Medifast offer a stable of meal replacement products - all generally formulated to be low-calorie and low-fat, and containing the optimum levels of vitamins. The formula will generally take users into a mild state of ketosis.
The most popular plan is called 5 and 1. This plan (800-1000 calories daily) comprises 5 meal replacements and one "real" meal containing a lean protein and vegetables and salad. Medifast claim a weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week on this plan.
Proof?
What many people don't realize is that very few commercial weight loss programs have ever undergone any clinical studies. Medifast heavily promote the fact that a Johns Hopkins university study has shown that Medifast results in significant weight loss (67 pound average loss in males and 57 pound average loss in females). It's worth pointing out that this study looked at patients who attended Medifast clinics.
There is also an additional study that compared the Medifast program with diabetes medication. The study found Medifast more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes than an ADA-recommended program (see PR).
Both studies were led by Associate Professor Lawrence Cheskin of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and were funded by Medifast.
Successes
Due to the popularity of the program, Medifast have a number of "success stories" - one of which is Nnedi Uzowihe-Igwe of Maryland, USA (currently featured on the Medifast site). She also appeared in People magazine in January 2006 describing a massive transformation that resulted in a 160lb weight loss between June 2004 and April 2005. Nnedi subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to her second daughter)
I was able to find out how Nnedi was going now, and she appears to have maintained her massive initial weight loss (and is aiming to lose the weight she put on with the second baby by the end of this year).
What you can expect
Drastic
Protein fasts and low-calorie meal replacements are a drastic solution, and in my opinion appropriate for drastic situations. Given the choice between gastric bypass surgery or Medifast, then Medifast must surely be a better answer.
The biggest test of a program such as Medifast is the long-term consequences - and in particular weaning off a program based around shakes and soups. The transition phase should be four to six weeks, and often starts off by introducing some oatmeal at breakfast, and some fruit for snacks. Also exercise must become a part of life (5 days a week). Exercise must be fairly low-key during the restrictive part of Medifast - but once transitioning - it becomes increasingly important.
Due to the level of energy intake and exercise levels - it is likely that some muscle loss will occur during the weight loss phase. Once again, the best course of action would be to gradually include strength training during the transition phase - and begin to build up muscle tone.
Costs
The Medifast 5 and 1 plan cost $275 for 4 weeks. However - that's the cost of the "5" - you will still need to buy your daily "lean and green" meal (lean protein plus salad/vegetables).
Men & Women
Different formulations are used for men and women. Some shakes are called Medifast 55 or Medifast 70. The latter has a higher soy protein content and is more suitable for men (or women who prefer higher protein).
Behavior Change Required
Behavioral changes are critical to the long-term success of Medifast. Unless these lifestyle changes are applied, then the weight could easily swing back on like a yo-yo. It's worth taking a look at the post 10 Questions To Ask Before Changing Your Diet.
Conclusion
I don't believe Medifast is for the person who wants to lose 20 pounds. This is a serious program for serious situations, and it may be advisable to follow the program while receiving regular support from a clinic, and even under medical advisement.
However ample proof exists that the program does work and can lead to significant weight loss provided the transition phase is followed correctly.
See: Medifast Official Site, see also the Medifast Book.
NOTE: You can find the coupon for a free week here.
Last Updated: 24 Feb 2008
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114 Comments
Lisa
I had a friend who did this years ago and she was HUGE. It amazed me how fast and quickly this worked...she was drop-dead gorgeous and perfect....then, she got cocky, and started to just eat candy bars all the time in front of everyone ("I'm smaller than you, so I can do this")...unfortunately, once she had that taste in her, she couldn't stop...got humungo again...and then got pregnant ....with TWINS!!! I moved then and didn't see if she ever lost it. BUT, Medifast really worked well but you need to be dedicated AFTER you are thin to live a thin lifestyle.
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Jan
Before I lost weight, when I thought I wouldn't be able to do it by "just dieting", I looked into a similar program, and also into WLS, and into anything else, really. I decided that my "plan C", should a regular diet fail, and then a ketogenic diet fail, was to have my mouth wired shut, cause it was the only way I'd be able to live on a diet like that.
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iFitandHealthy
Great review…I have heard mixed opinions about Medifast, but most of them were positive. People I have talked to said that they have reached their target weight. I do not know if they were able to maintain it for an extended period, I hope so. Some people apparently like the simplicity of ready to eat/drink meals.
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Medifast John
That is the reason I chose the Medifast Diet Plan. Not only was I able to maintain the diet for 3 months but it was convenient while traveling. Simplicity makes the Medifast diet very easy to follow.
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Dr.J
Exacally what is 'baby weight' versus 'overweight' please?
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Diet-Blog
Dr. J: Changed the wording to read "aiming to lose the weight she put on with the second baby by the end of this year".
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Spectra
My mom did a very similar program after giving birth to my brother. I believe it was called Optifast, but it was very similar....she had to survive on meal replacement shakes for a month or so. She initially lost a lot of weight and really got motivated, but then came a major attitude change. She got really crabby and started craving lots of foods. One day, my dad made her a shake and he ate a piece of cake in front of her. She got up, dumped the shake on his lap, and went into the kitchen and ate the rest of the cake. Needless to say, she gained all the weight back and then some. Unless you change your lifestyle, these extreme diets don't work long term.
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lowcarb_dave
The product is designed to assist you to lose weight. It works perfectly fine in that regard.
Is the goal really to lose weight? Or maintain a weight loss?
The very natural of this program promotes yo-yo dieting.
Lose weight, gain a little back, go back to the shake etc etc.
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J
My father did Optifast in the 80's. He loved it; he lost all his extra weight. He even became a local spokesman because he was such a success story. When he had lost the weight and was supposed to begin eating again he didn't want to. He loved how easy the plan was and how in control he felt. As soon as he began eating again all the old cravings came back and he gained it all back plus extra for his trouble.
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joe fullop
I did the optifast a couple years ago lost 150 pounds gained 40 pounds of it back since then, I am slowly losing the 40 pounds with exercise. I was going to have to take pills for high blood pressure it was a better of the two for me. The best thing I can say is exercise and constant monitoring your weight is the best way at least for me.
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Cherie
I went on the Optifast program about 25 years ago. It was through a hospital and monitored weekly by a physician. I lost 100 pounds in 7 months. During those 7 months I became completely obsessed with food. Once off the Optifast I gained 175 pounds. It obviously was not the program for me.
Cherie.
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Diet-Blog
I believe that OptiFast is stricter in terms of calories and is 100% meal replacements. The Medifast 5 and 1 incorporates one meal of "real food" daily. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
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Nice Girl
I agree with the above comments. Unless you have a healthy relationship with food, you will gain all the weight back. I have never been severely overweight, but I am young and I would often diet to get to a certain weight, eat like a pig again, gain weight, and then have to diet again. I'm 25 now and I decided to just eat healthy and do moderate exercise. Now I don't diet, I just eat healthy food and sensible portions. And I walk on the treadmill.
Since late August I have lost 12lbs. I feel better and I believe that I can keep this up long term.
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Dr.J
Thank you! :-)
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iportion
I think the calories are a bit low
and to make something like this work you'd have to realize other people will eat real food around you.
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Jojo
It's great that this plan has been found to be effective for a number of people, but how does it differ from other diets based on caloric restriction? I tried the South Beach Diet for a few weeks and although meal replacements weren't used, the basis was the same: extreme daily calorie restriction. And with all of these types of diets, are they really teaching you the healthy eating habits that need to be part of your long-term goal? Losing weight quickly can be a big booster for your self-esteem, but these types of diets are all gimmicks with no regard for long-term complications.
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Kalente
Do the shakes even taste good? Who wants to spend all that money and then hate the taste
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Spectra
Kalente--my mom thought the shakes tasted terrible. She only really could tolerate the chocolate ones. I guess the strawberry ones were really disgusting. She said they were chalky and kind of thick and slimy (probably from the agar that was in them to thicken them)
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Kay
This really is a great diet! I've read many objections from many people but it seems to me most of you are scared of trying something new just on the off chance it won't work for you! It's true this isn't really a diet for those people that need to lose 20 lbs. or less! If you do need to lose a considerable amount of weight this is for you. You will have to change your lifestyle and way of thinking when these come to food! Yes people will eat "regular" food around you, especially when you go out to a restaurant, but this is when you can have your "lean and green" meal. You will have to show a lot of self discipline while around others that are not dieting but that's when you can feel better about yourself for not caving! They give you the guidelines on how to follow this program to get great results. You can't deviate from them or it won't work the way it is designed to. This program gives you the info. and products you need to lose the weight and maintain it after you're ready to stop with it. Ever heard of a transition guide? That's what they give you. Medifast is NOT Optifast!! You have to realize, though they are very similar they are not the same! Medifast is a 5 and 1 plan where you have one "real" meal a day and that's also so you don't feel completely taken away from food so it's not as hard to transition. You do need to realize that you are doing something wrong with what you're eating if you just gain weight excessively. you need to eat healthier and stop blaming other people for what you're doing to yourself. With this diet it's not just caloric restrictions! It's a low calorie, low fat, low salt and sugar, low carb.,high protein diet. That's the other reason for the "lean and gree" meal. These meals also have all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need each day built into them. This diet is not a gimmick and it does consider long term weight problems. They try to train your body to healthy eating habits while using their meals and with the transition guide they give you once you've reached your ideal weight. You have smaller meals closer together throughout the day so your metabolism works all day long and not just after your big meals. Not everyone will like how all of the meal replacements taste. They have sample packs so you can try the products without spending a lot of money right up front so you can see if you like the taste and the products and plan before ordering a lot of product. They also have a 30 day return policy so you can still send back any products you may not like long term. You can always specialize your orders when placing them. When talking about something like this it would be great idea to consider all the people that have and are doing this diet when it actually worked or is working for them! It would be an even greater idea to actaully know what you're talking about when you have an opinion about something that's trying to help people!!!
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Nancy
I agree with Kay. Medifast is not a liquid program, since you eat 1 meal a day of real food and it's actually very filling. 7 ounces is alot of chicken and your plate is full with greens! I agree that it takes a little time to get used to eating/drinking 5 protein based supplements a day instead of gorging on potato chips and burgers, but again- this program is for those that need help before they must resort to gastric bypass or lap banding procedures. It's for those that need to lose alot of weight just to relieve the pain in their feet and legs when they walk or to help regulate their blood sugar (diabetics or hypoglycemics). Yes, it might be too much for those with 20 pounds to lose, but it's a great tradeoff for those with obesity based health issues like myself. There is a transition program which Medifast stresses to be a part of the whole program. Also, the quick weightloss is a morale booster to keep on going. We all have to remember that our eating habits got us fat, so we have to pay close attention to eating healthfully once we have succeeded in reaching our weightloss goals. The risk of gaining the weight back is a problem on ANY diet plan, not just Medifast. Otherwise we would all be nice and svelt from the very first diet we ever went on in our lives... but this is not the case. We gain and we lose and continue the cycle because we never learned the proper way to eat and exercise. Perhaps if we plan our transition into regular eating, even before we are actually at that stage, it might help. I find that planning has always taken the fear/confusion out of anything new I've ever tried. So, why not do that with our health? I'm on a healthful journey with Medifast and being a severe hypoglycemic, I don't feel the shakes or like I will faint having the protein supplements every couple of hours. If nothing else, it taught me that I NEED to eat every 2 or 3 hours to feel well and that alone is a lesson well worth it. Most people don't eat 6 times a day and that's why they feel hungry and tired and then reach for the sweets. So, Medifast is a new way of thinking...a healing process for us to carry on with us when we do transition to regular food throughout the day. Healthful eating 6 times a day- small meals. I'm hoping for the best.
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Lynden
I am currently transistioning off Medifast, 6 months and 75 pounds later. The program takes a serious commitment, because I've found that any cheating (specifically extra carbs) will affect your ketosis levels and the scale. It may take up to 3 days to re-enter ketosis, and during that time, you'll feel not so great physically.
The Medifast food itself is overall fairly palatable. This is low calorie/low fat food after all. Some foods need a bit of extra help with spices, but overall, there's so much selection, you won't go hungry.
After 6 months, I've found that my taste buds have almost competely 'reset.' Greasy and fatty foods don't taste good anymore and seem to be very bland. I had some fat-free cottage cheese the other day, and even that tasted good (hated the stuff before).
The program is pricey, so be prepared long-term for that (with monthly meat (6kg) & vegetables -- ~$500), but search the web for Medifast promotional coupons and you can save some cash.
After cheating a few times, I realized I actually felt better overall when eating less food.
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lynnann
hi all...since reading all the commentary about Medifast, I called my GP and got his approval...then...I've ordered a 2 week program (comes with a free week...so really 3) and extra products to go for the 4 week program.
It sounds like exactly what I need...SIMPLE! No thought process. There's something to eat every 2 hours then have my normal meal at night. (currently all I eat for dinner is a small piece of whatever meat my hubby is having as a condiment and a couple cups of some kind of veggie and fruit.
Thanks for this topic...I'm really juiced to do this. love and peace...lynnann
ps...I did lose many pounds on Atkins...so I know that lo-carb is good for me, but it was still to high in calories and it was not strict enough for me.
I've gained several of the lbs back since then. I know that when I get to my goal weight..I will be able to maintain it easily...it's the jump starting my metabolism that seems to be the problem.
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Mike
A friend of mine gave this program a try... the results were pretty impressive over her first order period... although the food was far less than "palatable" if you ask me. I guess this works well enough for anyone willing to stick to shakes and bars for a few weeks. The price wasn't too bad either.
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Defragged
I've been on the Medifast Diet for over 5 weeks and I have lost 19.5 pounds. It's far easier than any diet I've ever tried, and I'm learning far more about healthy eating than I thought possible. According to the BMI index, I'm considered obese and my health issues (feet/back) forced me to take action to reduce the strain on my body. I chose Medifast because of it's popularity and because I had never tried a meal replacement diet before. Although I'm still in the weight loss stage, I have no doubts whatsoever that I will be successful in transitioning to their maintenance plan.
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Barb
So glad it is all going so well for you.
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Barb
About the taste: "De gustibus non disputandum est!"
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Jennifer
Nancy - I was interested in your statement that Medifast worked well for you as a severe hypoglycemic - that is my problem as well. I have lost weight many times over the years - Weight Watchers, Adkins, SlimFast, you name it. I am a little nervous about committing the $$ if it won't work - any other folks with hypoglycemia who think Medifast works?
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Jennifer
Barb - if I remember my junior high Latin - "The taste is not in dispute"? =0)
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Defragged
The taste of Medifast food is far better than any diet food I've ever tried. I've personally been yo-yo dieting for more than 30 years, so I've tried most. You want to be realistic though when you approach any type of diet food. There is no way for a diet company to mimic the same taste as the real food. If there were, every diet company would be doing it. But Medifast is pretty close keeping in mind that it is diet food and relatively temporary depending on how much you have to lose. I've now been on the Medifast Diet for almost 10 weeks and as of yesterday, I have lost 31 pounds. I'm now in the 100s or what is better known as Onederland. :) If you have any questions about Medifast, I'd be happy to answer them. You can reach me quickly through my Medifast Blog, www.defragged.com. HTH...
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elle
Does anyone knoww the difference between Medifast and the New Lifestyle program? I find Optifast to be extremely expensive. So why is it ok to do a liquid diet of Medifast and Not be monitored weekly but Optifast is lab draws and the works EVERY week? I can't believe that eating one lean meal makes that big of a difference. Is it just a way for Optifast to charge more money?
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receveur
i've been on medifast for 4 weeks and have lost 13 lbs. the taste of the meals is easily overcome by tasty medifast and client recipes. i've been a yo-yo dieter and have tried every diet out there. i'm sticking to this one because it's by far the best.
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James
I think that too few calories are downright unhealthy. Try a high protein diet.
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Lori
elle - I had emailed New Lifestyle Diet recently with a similar question. Their response: "...the primary difference betweeen NLD and Medifast is that NLD is milk based protein vs soy based. Additionally, I think you'll find that we offer a much wider variety of flavors, better taste, and less expensive."
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Sue
I highly recommend New Lifestyle Diet. I lost 35 pounds in three months and loved the taste of the shakes. It's the same basic principle: five shakes and a bar, plus 8 oz of lean protein and two cups of vegetables for dinner. The shakes come in pre-measured packages, which makes them easy to travel with; all you need is water. The diet requires you to do a half-hour of exercise every day, right from the beginning, but it was fast and easy and best of all, made you stop thinking about what your next meal was going to be, since it was pretty much just always another shake!
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Dani
I just ordered and am so excited to get started. I've lost some before and kept it off, but can't seem to get the rest off with regular diet and exercise. I'll let you know how it turns out!
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Kelli
I just ordered the Medifast and it tastes horrible!
I think I'm going to send mine back for a refund.
The oatmeal.... gross! The chocolate shake is the only one I can tolerate.
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wanting to loose
Sorry, to say this, but your Dad is a DICK
Spectra said:
My mom did a very similar program after giving birth to my brother. I believe it was called Optifast, but it was very similar....she had to survive on meal replacement shakes for a month or so. She initially lost a lot of weight and really got motivated, but then came a major attitude change. She got really crabby and started craving lots of foods.[...]
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Rene
Kelli said:
I just ordered the Medifast and it tastes horrible!
I think I'm going to send mine back for a refund.
The oatmeal.... gross! The chocolate shake is the only one I can tolerate.[...]
I kinda agree with you. I like the ready-to-drink shakes and the soups but the oatmeal tastes like cardboard. GROSS......Reply
Robyn
I lost 40 pounds on Medifast and kept it off for the last year. It is hands-down the best diet I've ever been on, and the only one I was able to stick to. I failed miserably on Atkins & South Beach (too restrictive), Weight Watchers (too many choices, too complicated), Nutrisystems (food was gross), Jenny Craig (ditto), and an assortment of others (Blood type, SugarBusters, Caveman, you name it). I wasn't hungry, there is a ton of variety -- much more than shakes. There are soups, bars, hot drinks, cold drinks, shakes and a BIG protein & veggie meal. I didn't cheat because there were enough carbs to keep me happy and I got to eat every 2-3 hours. It is not all-liquids like Optifast and hasn't been so for a number of years. I have successfully learned to eat several small meals a day, have lost my taste for high-fat, high-carb meals, and I look great. I liked nearly all of the food. It's not gourmet but it was certainly more than edible. And I lost weight faster on this program than anything else I have EVER tried. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Obviously, if you don't change your eating habits you will gain the weight back -- that's true of any diet. But this approach really helped me get in control and start making smarter food choices for keeps. (With WW, I would eat a pizza a day and then starve, and still be in my points allotment ..)
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christy
hi, i just ordered my first meals. wanted to know, i work in a very "active" job, could i add a protein daily like a small portion of meat maybe at lunch and still be successful? i feel like i will need more energy. thanks for your feedback
christy
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Kristina
I suffer from IGA, a kidney disease where I must limit my sodium and protien intake. Many have mentioned above that there is allot of proiten in this diet. I did however notice in the Nutrisystem diet their meals were loaded in sodium. Still not sure which to go with if either at all!
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Tamara
I had success on Medifast once before, but feel that it contributed to my thyroid becomming less functional. Medifast denies this of course, but soy is a thyroid antagonist, and when you strictly do Medifast, you are living pretty much exclusively on soy. I was doing only the shakes, no meal. My weightloss was proceeding, if you could call it that, at a glacial rate. That is, S-L-O-W (2 pounds in four weeks, despite complete compliance). I think my case is unusual, but again, if you are borderline hypothyroid I really feel Medifast is NOT a good program for you. I was diagnosed finally as being clinically hypothyroid and went on thyroid meds. I found a different program - HMR - which is medically supervised and also uses shakes, but these are milk based (except the shakes made specifically for the lactose intolerant). I have had no problem whatsoever losing on HMR and am down over 40 pounds in 10 weeks. Medifast is okay but I really believe all that soy is what sent my thyroid over the edge. If you are having trouble losing on Medifast, get your thyroid checked and really consider switching to a non-soy based diet program.
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