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What is the Medifast program?
The Medifast program helps most people lose weight faster than
traditional diet plans. Medifast products come in individual packets
that you mix with water to create a "shake" similar to an instant
breakfast drink. Medifast products are available in a wide variety of
flavors as well as several alternate choices including protein bars,
creamy soups, chili, oatmeal, and hot cocoa.
How does the Medifast program work?
The clinically proven results of Medifast Weight Control Centers are
based on the use of a defined formula. The program was carefully
designed to create a gap between the calories you take in and the amount
your body needs. Each nutritionally balanced meal replacement is
formulated with a proven combination of carbohydrates and protein to
allow you to successfully lose weight without losing muscle.
How fast do you lose?
You may lose 2 - 5 pounds per week.*
Is it safe?
Medifast programs have been recommended by over 15,000 physicians and
used by over one million customers. Medifast has been providing a
clinically proven approach to weight loss and nutrition for over 25
years.
Has the use of Medifast programs been researched?
Over the past 25 years, Medifast Weight Control Centers has been
recommended by the over 15,000 physicians. Research studies at a leading
major teaching university as well as the National Institute for Health
have shown the plan to be very effective as well as medically safe.
Does it contain harmful herbs or additives?
No. Medifast Weight Control Centers does NOT contain any added caffeine,
stimulants, ephedrine or other herbs that might be harmful to your body.
*Medifast low calorie programs require physician supervision to minimize the potential for health risks.
How do you measure obesity?
Obesity is measured in a number of ways. The standard measure is by
height and weight. From these measurements, the percent of ideal body
weight is calculated through height/weight tables, or body mass index
(BMI) through specific tables or calculations. Body fat is most often
measured through skin-fold measures with calipers and bioelectric
impedance. Simple circumference measures of waist and hip are used to
assess fat distribution in a waist-to-hip ratio.
How is obesity defined?
A simple, precise definition of obesity has not yet been determined.
However, obesity is often defined as excessive body fat, which in some
cases can be independent of weight. Obesity is usually measured in terms
of weight and height, with obesity defined as 20% above ideal body
weight. Obesity can also refer to a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more,
while the phrase “overweight” can denote a lower BMI.
The National Institute of Health defined obesity in 1985, stating that any individual 20% or more over desirable weight is obese. The medical community has further defined the condition, identifying terms for its progressing severity. Beginning with the moderately obese category, the risk of mortality and other medical complications begins to rise. Individuals who are 30% or more over desirable weight are at risk for heart disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension.
How is obesity related to gender?
There is a different distribution of fat among males and females. A
study involving more than 1 million men and women by the American Cancer
Society has discovered the following:
What are the causes of obesity?
Thought at one time to be a simple problem and easily solved, obesity is
now recognized as a complex and often chronic condition. Disagreement
and debate still prevails on almost every key issue concerning obesity.
Although the basic cause of obesity is an imbalance between calorie
intake and energy expenditure, why this imbalance occurs is not always
clear. The tendency to gain excessive weight varies from one person to
another, even when food intake, physical activity, and lifestyle appear
to be the same.
The underlying causes of obesity are multi-factorial in origin and include:
What are the risks of obesity?
Being obese can seriously affect health and longevity. Obesity has been
established as a major contributor to five of the ten leading causes of
death in the United States:
In addition to the five major diseases, obesity has been associated with an increased risk for:
What are the benefits of weight loss?
The medical benefits that have been reported with weight reduction
during or after the use of a low-calorie diet include:
What type of soy is in Medifast?
Medifast uses Solae® brand soy protein, a high-quality complete protein
derived from soybeans. This product is produced by DuPont's Protein
Technologies, a company that has been conducting research on the
benefits of soy protein for over 30 years.
What are the benefits of soy?
In addition to the general health benefits of a quality protein source,
soy has been shown to be preventive against cardiovascular disease. The
FDA has stated that "combined with a diet low in saturated fat, an
intake of 25 grams of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart
disease."
Does soy lower cholesterol levels?
Some studies have shown that soy protein enhances bile acid secretion,
which lowers blood cholesterol levels. Ongoing research in the area may
eventually bring stronger conclusions.
Is soy good for osteoporosis?
Naturally occurring isoflavones (such as those in the Solae® brand soy
protein) have been shown to increase the mineral content and mineral
density of bones. Soy protein may also protect against the risk of
fractures and osteoporosis because it promotes an optimal calcium
balance.
How do I get started on the Medifast Weight Control Center
program?
We recommend that you come in to one of our centers for a consultation.
We will walk you through our entire process so you can see how quick and
easy it will be to reach your weight loss goals.
Should I wait until the weekend or start during the week?
You can do either one, depending on what fits best for you. The first
three days on Medifast are critical to your success, so plan your
start-up carefully. You might look for a time when you don't anticipate
any big events that involve food.
How long can I stay on the Medifast plan?
As long as you are doing well and making progress, you should be able to
stay on the Medifast plan for as long as it takes to reach your desired
goal weight. Some programs recommend taking a break from a complete plan
after 16 weeks; however, research has not shown this to be necessary. To
lose a lot of weight, such as more than 100 pounds, you may need to be
on the program for a longer period of time.
Can I exercise when I'm on the Medifast program?
Yes, you can, but we suggest limiting the amount of exercise, especially
in the beginning. It takes three to four weeks for the body to adapt to
the Medifast plan and use the fat stores for energy. During this time,
too much exercise can cause dehydration as well as decrease your weight
loss and harm your muscle tissue. Your Medifast certified weight loss
counselor will provide you with guidelines and recommended exercises
that are targeted to your individual needs.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis means joint inflammation. Symptoms can occur and cause pain,
stiffness and swelling in the joints. However, arthritis may not only
affect the joints, but can also affect muscles, bones, tendons, and
ligaments. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.
Facts about Arthritis
According to the National Arthritis Foundation
What is Medifast Plus for Joint Health?
Medifast Plus for Joint Health is a specially designed meal-replacement
supplement, specially formulated to relieve the excruciating symptoms
associated with arthritis and poor joint health.
Who should use Medifast Plus for Joint Health?
Medifast Plus for Joint Health is recommended for individuals over the
age of 18 who suffer with painful joints due to arthritis and/or injury.
Why does Medifast Plus for Joint Health help relieve pain?
Medifast Plus for Joint Health is formulated with high quality
glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is a nutrient shown in studies
to help regenerate the cushioning components of joints and other
tissues. Research suggests that glucosamine makes joints more elastic,
may increase range of motion and often slows or even reverses joint
damage. The nutrient chondroitin has been noted in studies to help draw
more moisture into cartilage to provide support and protection against
further destruction of the joint.
Facts
Menopause is a natural biological event typically affecting almost every
woman between the ages of 40 to 50. Because of current population
shifts, a woman's health after menopause has assumed greater importance
than ever before.
What is Medifast Plus for Women’s Health?
Medifast Plus for Women’s Health is a specially designed
meal-replacement supplement, formulated to relieve and prevent the
agonizing symptoms of menopause. This product provides a safe and
effective solution for many symptoms of menopause.
Who should Medifast Plus for Women’s Health?
Medifast Plus for Women’s Health is recommended for Women age 35-60 that
are experiencing the symptoms of menopause. This may include but is not
limited to: hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, fatigue, vaginal
dryness, loss of libido, headaches, anxiety, and insomnia.
Why does Medifast Plus for Women’s Health help control the
symptoms of menopause?
Medifast Plus for Women’s Health is formulated with the natural herbs
black cohosh, chaste tree berry, and echinacea purpurea, which studies
have shown may reduce menopausal symptoms. Research suggests that black
cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) provides hormonal support during menopause
and may also reduce hot flashes and mood swings. Studies also suggest
that chaste tree berry (vitex agnus castus) may help balance hormone
levels. Echinacea purpurea (purplr cone flower) is known for its ability
to strengthen the immune system. In menopause, echinacea purpurea may
fight off recurrent vaginal and bladder infections as some studies
suggest. Finally, Medifast Plus for Women’s Health is soy-based.
Clinical studies have noted the benefits of soy for years including its
ability to decrease negative symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats,
fatigue, and irritability.
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease is when the coronary arteries develop into
narrowed or are clogged with plaque deposits on the inside wall. The
narrowing of the arteries reduces flow of blood to the heart and
increases the chances of a blood clot blocking the artery, resulting in
a heart attack.
What causes coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease is caused by narrowing of the inside walls of the
coronary arteries. This narrowing decreases and sometimes completely
cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Narrowing of
the inside walls usually happen when a person has high levels of
cholesterol, a fat-like substance, in the blood. Cholesterol and fat,
flowing in the blood, builds up on the walls of the arteries. The
buildup thickens the arteries and can slow or block the circulation of
blood. When the level of cholesterol in the blood is high, there is a
greater possibility that it will be deposited onto the artery walls.
High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking double your
chance of developing heart disease. Obesity increases the possibility of
developing high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, and physical
inactivity increases the risk of heart attack.
What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?
Early signs of coronary heart disease include chest pain or shortness of
breath. A person may feel burning, tightness, heaviness, pain, pressure,
or squeezing, usually in your chest but sometimes also in the arms,
neck, or jaws. However, some people can have heart attacks without ever
having any of these symptoms.
What are the benefits of Medifast Plus for Coronary Health?
Medifast Plus for Coronary Health is a safe and effective meal
replacement supplement specially formulated to protect the heart against
disease. Formulated with the highest quality nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals, Medifast Plus for Coronary Health provides a natural defense
against heart conditions brought about by improper diets.
Medifast Plus for Coronary Health contains Coenzyme Q10. This nutrient has been shown in studies to reduce plaque deposits in the arteries and reduce the incidences of plaque rupture, both of which are precursors to heart attacks.
Amino acids are vital to maintaining heart health. Medifast Plus for Coronary Health contains amino acids that have been shown in studies to prevent fatty build-up in the heart and liver. This product also features Pycnogenol®, which acts as the body’s first line of defense against heart disease and as an antioxidant.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a severe, life-threatening condition in which the body loses
its ability to turn glucose (sugar) from food into useable energy. The
muscle cells and other tissues in the body require specific levels of
glucose and carbohydrates to maintain their function. The level of
glucose absorbed into the bloodstream by the intestines, and the method
by which glucose enters the body’s cells, is regulated by a hormone
called Insulin. This is produced in the pancreas, a gland located behind
the stomach. Diabetes usually develops later in life, after 45 years of
age and which use to be known as “Adult Onset Diabetes’ or “Non-Insulin
Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)- is known today as Type II Diabetes.
Fact
What causes diabetes?
People with diabetes either produce too little insulin or their cells do
not respond to its action, resulting in abnormally high levels of blood
sugar. When sugars are above the normal range (between 80 – 140 mg/dL),
the condition is called hyperglycemia.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 - A disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most
often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1
diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type 1
diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes. The tendency to
develop diabetes may be inherited.
Type 2 -Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, with 90-95% most affected. However, this form is most often associated with older age, obesity, family history, physical inactivity, and ethnicity. About 80% of the people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight! Symptoms for Type 2 diabetes tend to develop gradually and their onset is not as sudden as in Type 1 diabetes.
Is diabetes curable?
No, but it is manageable. In people with Type 2 diabetes, glucose
(sugar) builds up in the blood. But with treatment, your blood sugar
levels may go down to normal again. But this does not mean you are
cured. Instead, a blood sugar level in your target range shows that your
treatment plan is working and that you are taking care of your diabetes.
How is diabetes treated?
The aim of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal
levels as safely as possible without causing low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia). Such low blood sugar levels may result from a change in
the content or timing of meals, or from increased physical activity, or
from over-treatment.
Type 1 - Daily injections of insulin, together with dietary control and regular blood glucose testing, form the basis of an effective treatment program. Insulin mimics the body’s own production of the natural hormone. Delivery by injection and careful storage in cooled conditions are required to retain purity.
Type 2 – Dietary control is often sufficient in treating this condition. Weight reduction in the overweight person, an exercise program, and regular blood glucose testing, combined with oral medications, may be required to lower sugar levels. In some cases, insulin may be required to lower blood sugar levels.
Can I do Medifast if I'm diabetic?
If you are a Type II diabetic (adult onset), you should be able to do
Medifast just fine. We suggest you monitor your blood sugar readings
once or twice a day as well as stay in close contact with your physician
for instructions on making changes in your medications.
What is the difference between Medifast Plus for Diabetics and the
rest of the Medifast line?
Medifast Plus for Diabetics has been specially formulated for Diabetics.
This product contains less than 6 grams of sugar per serving and 9 total
carbohydrates per serving. Medifast Plus for Diabetics has been
certified by the Glycemic Research Institute to make the claim “LOW
GLYCEMIC” and is authorized to use the Glycemic Research Institute’s
Seal of Approval.
How do I use Medifast Plus for Diabetics for Weight Loss?
Medifast recommends that you consult with your primary care physician or
diabetes specialist before beginning a program using Medifast Plus for
Diabetics. You should discuss blood sugar monitoring, oral diabetes
agents and changes to your insulin regimen with your physician before
starting the program. We suggest using Medifast Plus for Diabetics as a
program that includes 5-6 supplements and one meal per day. Medifast
Plus for Diabetics is recommended as a physician supervised weight loss
program for Type II diabetics only.
How should I use Medifast Plus for Diabetics for General Nutrition
or Weight Maintenance?
Medifast recommends that you consult with your primary care physician or
diabetes specialist before beginning a program using Medifast Plus for
Diabetics. You should discuss blood sugar monitoring, oral diabetes
agents and changes to your insulin regimen with your physician before
starting the program.
Should I continue my oral diabetes medication?
It is advised to check your blood sugar at least 2 – 3 times daily,
especially at the beginning of the Medifast program. If your blood sugar
levels fall below the range specified by your doctor, you should seek
the advice of your physician. Medifast products provide a lower intake
of calories and carbohydrates than your current diet.
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We offer the No Interest Payment Plan* and the Extended Payment Plan.* Apply Now or see our staff for more details.