Medifast has two basic programs: the first is the traditional physician-supervised low calorie diet of liquid meal replacements. This plan is offered by thousands of physicians across the United States, but is reserved for those who are obese or suffer from serious health problems such as diabetes, bulimia, thrombophlebitus, active cancer and other maladies. The second, known as Take Shape for Life is offered direct to the public. This makes it available to people of all sizes, not just the very obese or health-challenged patient. While the Take Shape for Life program still recommends physician involvement, the products are offered by "Health Advisors", who are expected to provide ongoing support, encouragement, and information to the clients. Health advisors are offered training opportunities to enable them to assist clients with long-term lifestyle changes, as well as short-term diet goals. Food can be ordered online, and there is a medical hotline number available to answer questions about being on the Medifast food plans. It is also not an exclusively liquid diet. It includes bars, chili, oatmeal, and crackers in addition to shakes and soups.
Medifast : User Reviews
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(5.0 Stars): Number of Reviews: 1
Medifast Diet Plan, July 10, 2007 Reviewer: Betty from NC
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
Recommended by physicians for the last 25 years, Medifast has become a popular diet plan today. It is a portion-controlled, low-fat program designed for those who wish to lose weight faster than other plans available today. Medifast is different than other diet plans in that the meals come in packets which, when mixed with water, create a calorie deficit conducive to losing weight more rapidly.<br />
While this type of diet program may not be for everyone, it does offer balanced meals with a caloric intake of 800 to 1000 calories a day. The average weight loss is approximately 2-5 pounds per week. It has been clinically tested and reported to be a safe and effective means for weight loss. <br />
Known as the 5 and 1 plan, Medifast is made up of 5 meal replacements per day which are often shakes in addition to bars, soups, oatmeal, and puddings. One meal per day is a lean and green meal which consists of a small portion of lean meat and up to 2 cups of salad or vegetables. You eat every 2-3 hours, and must drink a minimum of 64 oz of water per day. <br />
Affordable at $10.00 per week, Medifast does not charge any other fees other than the cost of meals. In fact, Medifast considers their weekly rate to be cost-effective. One would have to agree with this assessment. In addition, their site offers tools and resources to help you plan, exercise, and motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. <br />
Along with their meal-planning tool, they also have a community of people whom you can consult with at any time to discuss your diet.<br />
They have two features on their site where you can design your own menu or shop in their food section to select the items you would like. It is also important to note that Medifast is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union of New York. They offer a list of kosher products which you can download as well. <br />
If you are thinking about joining Medifast, check out their site and download their Physician Information Sheet and take it to your doctor before signing on with this plan.
