Medifast™ - A Pretty Expensive Program

Additional Resources:

Medifast is reviewed by your peers on dietblogtalk.com - the consumer authority on the web.

Sensational.com also has an in-depth and insightful review of Medifast.

My Initial Impression of “Medifast™”

If dieting and fat loss is difficult for you because you never know what and when to eat, then Medifast™ may be a good program. Medifast™ is a systematic meal plan designed to offer an alternative to a conventional dieting program. It takes away the guess work by providing individual packets which you can easily prepare by microwaving, adding water, or refrigerating. Medifast™ offers a variety of foods and flavors that will help you avoid becoming bored with eating the same food every day—everything from chili to pudding to tea. The 5 & 1 Plan® is specially formulated to limit the amount of calories you consume, which will help you lose weight. In other words, by sticking with the meal plan you will intake the right amount of calories to facilitate fat loss. In addition to the right amount of calories, Medifast™ provides the right type of calories. That is, it offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. The plan is fairly simple requiring you to eat about 6 meals a day-- 5 Medifast™ Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal®.

About Medifast™

Citing clinical studies, Medifast™ states that the average user loses around 2-5 lbs per week. They also state that the results include inches off your waist in addition to weight loss. You should note that results vary based on medical conditions, amount of exercise, and other factors. The way the program works is that by controlling portions it allows you to eat less calories than you burn resulting in weight loss. Their menu has over 60 different options to choose from and even allows for snacking once a day. The snack, however, must also follow the approved plan. The menu isn’t fixed so you are allowed to mix and match what you eat depending on your preference at a specific time. The first 5 meals consist of set portions that provide nutritionally proportionate servings. The Lean & Green Meal® is 5-7 ounces of meat and 3 servings of vegetables. After you have completed the initial 5 & 1® weight loss program you start the Medifast™ Transition, Maintenance, and Exercise Plans® which help you maintain weight loss long term. Once you reach this point, your diet will adjust and the menu changes. Medifast™ has programs specifically for people who have trouble dieting because of diabetes. They claim that 24 percent of their customers eliminated diabetes medication after 34 weeks on the program.

Drawbacks To “Medifast™”

The main drawback to this program might be the cost; it runs around $300 every month and requires you to stay on it long term. Other drawbacks might include convenience. In order for the program to work successfully they don’t recommend straying from the program. This may be difficult for people that travel or have family with different nutritional needs since you will have to prepare extra meals. If you’re on a limited budget of time this could be a problem.

Would I use “Medifast™”?

I would not try Medifast™ largely because of the expense – I really think it is over-priced.

What Others Think About “Medifast™”

Just a simple search on the internet for Medifast™ will show you many success stories and reviews of this product. They have been around for a long time so there is quite a bit of information available.