Obesity is a widespread and concerning chronic condition, but evidence-based interventions are available for treatment. Medi-Weightloss is a physician-supervised weight loss program with over 100 locations nationwide. Medi-Weightloss Dartmouth is one such location, offering a medically supervised program tailored to individual needs. This article delves into the Medi-Weightloss program, its approach, effectiveness, and reviews, with a specific focus on Medi-Weightloss Dartmouth.
What is Medi-Weightloss?
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a plan designed to help individuals lose weight and maintain it long-term. Created in 2005 by Edward Kaloust, the program distinguishes itself through an evidence-based approach to treatment via clinical research. The program recognizes obesity as a disease that requires a range of medical interventions and addresses the unique needs of patients affected by excess weight.
The Medi-Weightloss Approach
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a high-protein, low-carb diet plan designed to promote lasting weight loss. It involves regular check-ins at a Medi-Weightloss clinic and may include supplements, prescription medications, or injections.
Initial Consultation and Customization
The program starts with an initial consultation with a medical professional at a Medi-Weightloss clinic. During this consultation, the professional gathers information about the patient's health history and may conduct tests like blood panels or body composition analysis. This information is used to create a custom diet and exercise plan. The program recommends transitioning to a 40/30/30 plan for most people, consisting of approximately 40% of total daily calories from carbohydrates, 30% from healthy fats, and 30% from protein.
Program Phases
The Medi-Weightloss Program is divided into three phases. The exact guidelines for which foods you should eat vary depending on which phase of the program you are in. However, the program typically involves eating plenty of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and lean protein sources. Since the initial acute weight loss phase of the program is meant to get you to enter ketosis, you may have to reduce your intake of high carb foods.
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Foods to Eat
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, you 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, people following the Medi-Weightloss Program lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 39 weeks. They also experienced significant reductions in body fat and belly fat throughout the program. However, this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss, and the researchers were employed by the company, which may introduce bias.
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.
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The plan also involves regular check-ins and counseling from a medical professional, which can help keep individuals accountable by providing extra support and guidance.
Potential Benefits
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 detailed resources like shopping lists, recipes, and workout plans.
- Support for underlying 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 that doesn’t take individual needs into account.
- 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 also eases your transition into the final phase, or wellness phase, and allows you to stay in this phase for as long as you want to help you maintain your weight loss over time.
Potential Downsides
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.
- Restrictive: The plan can be very restrictive and difficult to follow, especially during the initial weight loss phase. Because many foods high in carbohydrates are limited, eating at restaurants or in social settings may also be challenging.
- Expensive: 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.
- Location-dependent: 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.
The Role of Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs)
The arrival of newer and more effective anti-obesity medications (AOMs), such as glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s) and GLP-1/Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual agonists, has the potential to revolutionize obesity care. Semaglutide 2.4 mg (a GLP-1) has demonstrated an average weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks, and Tirzepatide (a GLP-1/GIP) has demonstrated an even greater average of 22.5% weight loss at 72 weeks.
Integrating AOMs into Primary Care
Primary care providers are positioned to become the main prescribers of AOMs and serve as a reliable source of comprehensive obesity care. However, the removal of other promising AOMs from the market due to safety concerns has resulted in significant hesitancy in prescribing.
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Challenges in Obtaining AOMs
- Insurance coverage: Many insurance companies do not cover the cost of AOMs, making them unaffordable for many patients.
- Prior authorization: Many AOMs require prior authorization from insurance companies, which can be a time-consuming process.
- Medication shortages: There have been reports of medication shortages for some AOMs, making it difficult for patients to get their prescriptions filled.
- Side effects: Some patients experience side effects from AOMs, such as nausea and vomiting.
Patient Perspectives on AOMs
- Some patients view AOMs as a "game changer" and are willing to stay on them for the rest of their lives because they feel so much better.
- Other patients believe that AOMs should only be used as an aid to weight loss and that patients should still put in the work with exercise and healthy eating.
Medi-Weightloss Dartmouth
Medi-Weightloss Dartmouth offers a medically supervised weight loss program tailored to individual body types, lifestyles, and goals. They provide face-to-face accountability, immediate clinical support, and body composition tracking with medical-grade technology.