The Medi-Weightloss Program is a physician-supervised weight loss program that has gained popularity across the United States. With over 90 locations, the company aims to help individuals lose weight and maintain it in the long term. However, some critics argue that the program is excessively restrictive, expensive, and challenging to adhere to. This article delves into a detailed review of the Medi-Weightloss diet, examining its components, functionality, effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks.
Overview of the Medi-Weightloss Program
The Medi-Weightloss Program is a high-protein, low-carb diet plan designed to promote long-lasting weight loss. Entrepreneur Edward Kaloust originally created it in 2005. The program requires regular check-ins at a Medi-Weightloss clinic and may involve supplements, prescription medications, or injections.
Program Structure
The Medi-Weightloss Program begins with an initial consultation with a medical professional at one of the company’s clinics. During this consultation, the professional gathers information about your health history and may conduct tests such as a blood panel or body composition analysis. This information is then used to create a custom diet and exercise plan tailored to your specific needs. As you progress, you can increase your intake of calories and carbohydrates. For most individuals, the program recommends transitioning to a 40/30/30 plan, consisting of:
- 40% of total daily calories from carbohydrates
- 30% from healthy fats
- 30% from protein
The program is divided into three phases, each with specific dietary guidelines and goals. It involves undergoing an initial consultation with a medical professional and going to regular check-ins at one of the company’s clinics.
Dietary Guidelines
The Medi-Weightloss Program provides comprehensive guidelines for which foods you should eat and avoid. These guidelines vary depending on the phase of the program you are in. Generally, the program emphasizes the consumption of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and lean protein sources.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Foods to Eat
Since the initial acute weight loss phase aims to induce ketosis, you may need to reduce your intake of high-carb foods. The diet typically recommends the following foods:
- 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 higher-carbohydrate foods are 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. These foods may include:
- 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
In summary, the Medi-Weightloss Program generally involves eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins while limiting processed and refined foods high in carbohydrates or sugar.
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, it’s important to note that this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss, and the researchers were employed by the company, which may introduce bias.
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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 indicates that increasing protein intake can enhance feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and improve body composition.
The program also incorporates regular check-ins and counseling from a medical professional. This can help maintain accountability by providing extra support and guidance, which can be beneficial for weight loss.
Potential Benefits
In addition to its potential for 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 such as shopping lists, recipes, and workout plans. This can be particularly beneficial for those with underlying health conditions, food allergies, or those taking medications, as it allows for a more customized approach compared to a one-size-fits-all diet plan.
- Healthcare Professional Support: A healthcare professional can offer support and adjust your plan as needed, which can set you up for long-term success.
- Structured Program: The plan is divided into several phases, which may be a good fit for those who prefer a more structured program.
- Long-Term Weight Maintenance: It eases your transition into the final 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.
Downsides to Consider
There are several downsides to consider when determining whether Medi-Weightloss is right for you.
- Limited Research: There is very little research on the program specifically, apart from studies funded directly by the company.
- 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.
- Restrictive Diet: 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.
- 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. This is significantly more pricey than other popular diet programs, such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or Noom. Most health insurance policies cover medical nutrition therapy with a dietitian, which is a much more affordable way to get personalized weight loss therapy. If you purchase any packaged foods, supplements, or medications along with the program, the total price will increase further.
- Location Dependency: 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.
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.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
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
This sample meal plan provides a few ideas for meals and snacks you can enjoy during the first phase of the program.
Negative Reviews and Complaints
Several customers have reported negative experiences with MediEats, particularly concerning subscription issues and cancellation difficulties. Many reviewers claim they were charged for ongoing subscriptions despite believing they had signed up for a one-time purchase. Cancelling the subscription proved challenging, with customers reporting continued billing even after following cancellation instructions. Some customers have labeled the program a "scam" due to these billing issues and the difficulty in obtaining refunds. Additionally, some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the meal plans, citing excessive carbohydrates and beans. The complex recipes and perceived focus on financial gain have also been points of criticism.