Losing weight can feel like a long and challenging journey, especially without a support system. The Medi-Weightloss Program is a physician-supervised weight loss program designed to help individuals lose weight and maintain that loss long-term. With over 90 locations across the United States, it has become a popular option for those seeking a structured approach to weight management. This article delves into the details of the Medi-Weightloss Program, examining its components, effectiveness, benefits, drawbacks, and cost, to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it entails.
Introduction to Medi-Weightloss
Entrepreneur Edward Kaloust, drawing on 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, launched Medi-Weightloss in 2005. He collaborated with physicians, dietitians, and fitness experts to create a program that combines medical supervision with personalized weight loss strategies.
How the Medi-Weightloss Program Works
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet plan divided into three distinct phases, each designed to support weight loss and maintenance. It requires regular check-ins at a Medi-Weightloss clinic and may incorporate supplements, prescription medications, or injections as deemed necessary by the medical professional overseeing the program.
Initial Consultation and Personalized Plans
The program begins with an initial consultation with a medical professional at a Medi-Weightloss clinic. During this consultation, the professional gathers information about the individual's health history and may conduct tests such as a blood panel or body composition analysis. This information is used to create a customized diet and exercise plan tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals.
The Three Phases of Medi-Weightloss
The Medi-Weightloss Program consists of three phases: acute weight loss, short-term maintenance, and wellness.
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Acute Weight Loss
During the acute weight loss phase, participants consume a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to encourage the body to burn fat for energy. This phase aims to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body shifts to burning fat for energy. The diet features lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The company does not encourage anyone to count calories or meet an intended goal.
Short-Term Maintenance
As participants approach their target weight, they transition to the short-term maintenance phase. In this phase, they gradually increase their calorie and carbohydrate intake while continuing to receive weekly consultations and individualized guidance. Specialists require a weekly check-in at a Medi-Weightloss center for an evaluation.
Wellness Phase
Once participants reach their weight loss goal, they enter the wellness phase, which focuses on long-term sustainment. This phase involves monthly consultations that emphasize accountability, support, education, and guidance to achieve overall health and wellness. During this phase, individuals adopt a 40/30/30 eating plan, consisting of 40% of total daily calories from carbohydrates, 30% from healthy fats, and 30% from protein. The body begins readjusting to normal food and drink intake.
Food Guidelines
The Medi-Weightloss Program provides comprehensive guidelines for which foods to eat and avoid.
Foods to Eat
The exact guidelines vary depending on the phase of the program. However, the program typically involves eating plenty of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and lean protein sources.
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Here are some foods the diet recommends:
- Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, kiwi, pears, peaches, plums
- Non-starchy vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, kale, tomatoes
- Proteins: lean cuts of beef and pork, skinless poultry, seafood, eggs, tofu, tempeh
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashews
- Seeds: hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, sunflower seeds
- Cooking oils: olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil
- Beverages: water, coffee, unsweetened tea
Some foods that are higher in carbohydrates are also permitted in moderation, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
- Whole grains: quinoa, brown rice, oats, farro
- Starchy vegetables: potatoes, corn, peas, beets, yam, parsnips
- Legumes: black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils
Foods to Avoid
On the Medi-Weightloss Program, individuals should limit foods that are highly processed or rich in carbohydrates or added sugar.
Here are some foods you may need to limit on the diet:
- Processed foods: fast food, convenience meals, fried foods, chips, pretzels
- Refined carbs: white pasta, white bread, crackers
- Sweets: baked goods, cookies, cakes, candies
- Beverages: soda, juice, sweet tea, energy drinks, sports drinks
- Sugar: white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey
Effectiveness of the Medi-Weightloss Program
According to a 2020 study funded by Medi-Weightloss, people following the program lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 39 weeks. They also experienced significant reductions in body fat and belly fat. While this study suggests the program's effectiveness, it's important to consider the potential for bias due to the funding source and the researchers being employed by the company.
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While there is limited peer-reviewed research available on the effects of this diet specifically, studies show that similar eating patterns may be effective for weight loss. For instance, multiple studies have found that low-carb diets can increase weight loss and reduce body fat. Other research shows that increasing protein intake can enhance feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and change body composition.
The plan also involves regular check-ins and counseling from a medical professional, which can provide extra support and guidance and may be beneficial for weight loss.
Potential Benefits of the Medi-Weightloss Program
In addition to its potential for helping with weight loss, the Medi-Weightloss Program may offer several other benefits:
- Personalized guidance: The program is tailored to individual needs and includes personalized guidance from a healthcare professional, along with resources like shopping lists, recipes, and workout plans.
- Suitable for individuals with health conditions: For people with underlying health conditions, food allergies, or those taking medications, this may be a better fit than a one-size-fits-all diet plan.
- Support and adjustments: It enables a healthcare professional to offer support and adjust the plan as needed, which can set individuals up for long-term success.
- Structured program: The plan is split into several phases, which may be a good fit for those who prefer a more structured program.
- Long-term weight maintenance: It eases the transition into the final wellness phase and allows individuals to stay in this phase for as long as they want to help maintain their weight loss over time.
Potential Drawbacks of the Medi-Weightloss Program
There are several downsides to consider when determining whether Medi-Weightloss is right for you:
- Limited research: There’s very little research on the program specifically, apart from studies funded directly by the company.
- Supplements: Medi-Weightloss supplements contain herbs that may interact with medications and lead to side effects. Most people would probably find these supplements unnecessary.
- Restrictive diet: The plan can be very restrictive and difficult to follow, especially during the initial weight loss phase.
- Social challenges: Because many foods high in carbohydrates are limited, eating at restaurants or in social settings may also be challenging, which can make the diet more difficult to stick to long-term.
- Cost: Medi-Weightloss programs can be very expensive. Prices for the initial consultation typically range from $250-300, and check-ins cost an additional $75-100 per week.
- Accessibility: The program requires weekly or monthly check-ins at one of the Medi-Weightloss clinics around the country, which may not be ideal for those who don’t live near a clinic.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Program fees vary depending on the services selected. The cost of the initial consultation typically ranges from $275 to $300, and each weekly session typically costs between $75 and $100. The average cost for 14 weeks of treatment can total more than $1,200. Food and supplements cost extra.
Many Medi-Weightloss franchise locations accept insurance, so costs may be at least partially subsidized by health insurance. It's essential to check with the insurance provider to understand what’s available.
Sample Meal Plan
The following is a 3-day sample meal plan to give an idea of what a menu may look like during the initial acute weight loss phase of the program:
Day 1
- Breakfast: omelet with mushrooms, tomatoes, and bell peppers
- Lunch: garlic baked salmon with asparagus
- Dinner: salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, and avocado
- Snacks: apple slices with peanut butter
Day 2
- Breakfast: smoothie with almond milk, protein powder, flaxseed, spinach, and berries
- Lunch: tofu stir-fry with peppers, broccoli, green beans, and ginger
- Dinner: beef and cabbage soup with veggie side salad
- Snacks: turkey roll-ups with tomatoes and lettuce
Day 3
- Breakfast: scrambled eggs with garlic and kale
- Lunch: baked pork chops with cauliflower rice and broccoli
- Dinner: lemon pepper chicken with sautéed Brussels sprouts
- Snacks: chia pudding with fresh fruit
Comparisons with Other Weight Loss Programs
The number of commercial diet plans available continues to grow. Some of these, like Medi-Weightloss, include one-to-one counseling and education. Here are a few comparisons:
- Profile Plan diet: This customized, low-carb, low-calorie meal plan includes weekly appointments with a health coach to keep you on track.
- Jenny Craig: This structured diet plan also uses prepackaged foods to help users lose weight. Members work with coaches to guide and support their journey.
- WeightWatchers: Long considered the gold standard of commercial weight-loss programs, WeightWatchers uses a points-based system and behavioral change support and coaching to help members shed pounds and keep them off.
- Nutrisystem: This long-lived commercial diet program reports it can help people lose 1 to 2 pounds per week with its prepackaged, portion-limited meals.
- Optifast: Optifast reports an average weight loss of 50 pounds in 26 weeks. Participants must have a body mass index of 30 or above, or 27 along with weight-related medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension.
- Health Management Resources (HMR) program: HMR is also a shorter-term commitment than Medi-Weightloss and has no specific criteria for who should enroll. It claims its at-home program produces an average weight loss of 23 pounds in 12 weeks.
Is Medi-Weightloss Right for You?
For people who’ve been struggling with their weight or have been diagnosed with obesity and haven’t found an effective way to shed pounds, Medi-Weightloss may be worth a try. Individuals who want the accountability of working one-on-one with a coach often find this approach keeps them on track and losing weight.
Before beginning Medi-Weightloss, it's advisable to consult with a primary care provider to discuss the risks and benefits. It is also important to consider any potential interactions between dietary supplements and medications. The program may not be suitable for individuals with eating disorders, athletes, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.