Medifast Weight Loss System

Medifast weight loss system is a food-based program that is focused on portion control and balanced meals. The meals are designed to create a calorie deficit so that the body burns more calories each day than it consumes in order to lose weight. This is achieved through designing each meal to have the correct proportions of carbohydrates and proteins. There are options in the Medifast weight loss system for men, women, and people with Type 2 diabetes. Despite what might look like a high initial cost, the Medifast weight loss system might actually be a less expensive way to eat than your usual diet, depending on what type of food you buy and how you shop.

Medifast Meals

Medifast meals save you the time and energy of trying to plan meals perfectly balanced for weight loss. The meals come in packets that you then mix with water to prepare. Some of the meals include shakes, oatmeal, soups, stew, chili, hot beverages, bars and puddings. Each meal has the correct balance of proteins and carbohydrates to facilitate weight loss but still leave you feeling satisfied.

The Medifast 5&1 plan requires that you eat six small meals a day. Five of these meals are Medifast meals while the last meal is one of your choosing that consists of lean meat and vegetables.

Potential Weight Loss

When combined with regular exercise, if you stick to the Medifast meal plan, the average weight loss each week is approximately 2-5 lbs. This amount is dependent on your initial weight and the amount of calories you burn naturally on a daily basis.

Diabetic Weight Loss Plan

Medifast also has a weight loss plan designed specifically for Type 2 diabetics. Type 2 diabetes comes about gradually as the body loses the ability to remove sugar from the blood stream. Many times, Type 2 diabetes is often found in people with weight issues and obesity. Medifast has a plan especially for Type 2 diabetics that allows them to safely lose the weight according to their health needs. Medifast states that their studies show many diabetics on the plan are not only able to lose weight, but also decrease or completely stop using their diabetes medication after extended time on the weight loss plan.

Plans for Men and Women

Medifast has meal plans designed for men and women. They have an entire line of Medifast health shakes that are designed with women's health needs in mind. These shakes contain echinacea, black cohosh and chaste tree berry, which reportedly helps fight certain symptoms of menopause. Because of the balance of protein and carbohydrates, Medifast attempts to have a higher "Fullness Index" than other meal plans.

Cost

The cost of Medifast is $11 a day. Depending on which package you choose, the monthly cost is approximately $299.50. Medifast states that the average American spends $16 a day on food.