Losing weight can be a challenging journey, and many seek structured programs for guidance and support. Medi-Weightloss Programs are designed to help individuals lose weight and maintain it long-term, offering a medically supervised approach. This article delves into the Medi-Weightloss diet, exploring its components, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks.
What is the Medi-Weightloss Program?
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet plan created in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust. It aims to promote long-lasting weight loss through personalized guidance and medical supervision. The program operates through a network of clinics across the United States, providing comprehensive support and resources.
How the Program Works
The Medi-Weightloss Program involves several key components:
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The program begins with an initial consultation at a Medi-Weightloss clinic. During this consultation, a medical professional collects information about your health history and may conduct tests such as a blood panel or body composition analysis. This assessment helps tailor the program to your individual needs. At Premiere Chiro, a medical doctor will cater to what your body needs and monitor closely with the appropriate nutritional counseling. Your journey will begin with a free assessment followed by a new patient visit.
Customized Diet and Exercise Plan
Based on the initial assessment, a medical professional creates a custom diet and exercise plan. The plan typically emphasizes a high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach, with the goal of promoting fat burning and weight loss. Acute weight loss requires participants to consume a lot of protein and cut the carbs to help their bodies burn more fat. The company does not encourage anyone to count calories or meet an intended goal.
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Regular Check-Ins
Participants are required to attend weekly check-ins at a Medi-Weightloss center for evaluation. These check-ins provide an opportunity to track progress, make adjustments to the plan, and receive ongoing support and guidance. Staying connected allows us to help you maintain your new healthy weight for life.
Three-Phased Approach
The Medi-Weightloss Program is divided into three phases:
- Acute Weight Loss Phase: This initial phase focuses on rapid weight loss through a very low-calorie, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet. The acute phase is where the transformation happens. Our providers will help you lose weight quickly and safely.
- Short-Term Maintenance Phase: Once you achieve your goal weight, you’ll enter the short-term maintenance phase. Here, we focus on maintaining your results. Short-term maintenance allows participants to start increasing their calorie and carb intake.
- Wellness Phase: The wellness phase is the last part of the program once participants meet their weight loss goal. The body begins readjusting to normal food and drink intake. In the wellness phase, we focus on long-term sustainment, which is the secret to our program’s success. We’ll provide a balanced nutrition plan to ensure continued success and check in with you monthly for accountability.
Foods to Eat and Avoid
The Medi-Weightloss Program provides comprehensive guidelines for which foods you should eat and avoid. The exact guidelines vary depending on the phase of the program you are in.
Foods to Eat
The program typically involves eating plenty of:
- 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:
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- 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
Sample Meal Plan
Your specific diet plan can vary based on your nutritional needs, your weight loss goals, and which phase of the program you’re in. Here is a 3-day sample meal plan to give you an idea of what your 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
Potential Benefits of the Medi-Weightloss Program
Weight Loss and Fat Loss
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 (2). While this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss and the researchers were employed by the company, other research supports the effectiveness of similar eating patterns. For instance, multiple studies have found that low-carb diets can increase weight loss and reduce body fat (3, 4, 5). Other research shows that increasing your intake of protein can enhance feelings of fullness, reduce your appetite, and change body composition (6).
Personalized Guidance and Support
The plan also involves regular check-ins and counseling from a medical professional. Not only can this help keep you accountable by providing extra support and guidance, but some studies also show that this could be beneficial for weight loss (7, 8). The program is tailored to your needs and includes personalized guidance from a healthcare professional along with detailed resources like shopping lists, recipes, and workout plans.
Structured Approach
The plan is split into several phases, which may be a good fit for those who prefer a more structured program. 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.
Read also: Is Medi-Weightloss Effective?
Addressing the Whole Picture
Beyond weight reduction, the Medi-Weightloss team addresses related challenges, like:
- Helping manage blood pressure or cholesterol
- Reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
- Improving energy levels so you can resume normal activities confidently
With regular monitoring, there’s no guesswork, making it easier to stay on course.
Potential Drawbacks
Limited Research
There’s very little research on the program specifically, apart from studies funded directly by the company. There are limited studies on the effectiveness of the Medi-Weightloss program. We can verify that low-carb diets do increase weight loss and protein does help to control your appetite.
Cost
Although prices can vary depending on which clinic you go to, Medi-Weightloss programs can also be very expensive. For example, prices for the initial consultation typically range from $250-300, and check-ins cost an additional $75-100 per week. This is significantly more pricey than other popular diet programs, such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or Noom. If you purchase any packaged foods, supplements, or medications along with the program, the total price will increase further.
Restrictiveness
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, which can make the diet more difficult to stick to long-term.
Supplements
Medi-Weightloss supplements contain herbs, including hoodia, guarana, and Gymnema sylvestre, that may interact with medications and lead to side effects. Most people would probably find these supplements unnecessary.
Accessibility
The program requires weekly or monthly check-ins at one of the 90 Medi-Weightloss clinics around the country. Therefore, the program may not be ideal for those who don’t live near a clinic.
Is Medi-Weightloss Right for You?
Deciding whether Medi-Weightloss is the right choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Consider the following factors:
- Do you prefer a structured program with medical supervision?
- Are you comfortable with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet?
- Can you afford the cost of the program?
- Do you live near a Medi-Weightloss clinic?
Alternatives to Medi-Weightloss
If Medi-Weightloss doesn't seem like the right fit, several alternative weight loss programs and strategies are available:
- WW (formerly Weight Watchers): A popular program that focuses on a balanced approach to eating and lifestyle changes.
- Noom: A digital program that uses psychology-based techniques to help you change your eating habits.
- Medical nutrition therapy: Personalized counseling with a registered dietitian, often covered by health insurance.
- DIY approaches: Creating your own weight loss plan based on healthy eating principles and regular exercise.
Medi-Weightloss at Prima CARE in Fall River, MA
At Prima CARE, the Medi-Weightloss® program is tailored to address these common challenges through a comprehensive weight loss program that considers your unique health needs. Guided by medical supervision, this program emphasizes sustainable changes over quick fixes, ensuring that patients not only lose weight but also maintain it for long-term health benefits.
Benefits of Choosing Medi-Weightloss® at Prima CARE:
- Expert Team: Fall River location provides unmatched expertise in medical weight loss.
- Proven Results: Patients see significant weight loss, along with measurable health improvements.
- Insurance-Friendly Programs: Many insurance providers cover Medi-Weightloss, making this program widely accessible across New England.
- Convenient Location: Serving Fall River residents and nearby Rhode Island, Prima CARE offers local access to top-tier care.
Conclusion
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a comprehensive plan designed to help individuals lose weight and keep it off long-term. It offers personalized guidance, medical supervision, and a structured approach to dieting. While it may be effective for some, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as limited research, cost, and restrictiveness. Before starting the Medi-Weightloss Program, consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it's the right choice for you.