General Information

• What is Medifast?
  The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan was medically designed to create a calorie deficit, allowing your body to burn fat for energy. Each nutritionally balanced Medifast Meal is formulated with a proven combination of carbohydrates and protein, allowing you to successfully lose weight while maintaining lean muscle mass.
• How does Medifast work?
  Medifast is a portion controlled, nutritionally balanced, low fat and clinically proven program that helps people lose weight faster and more effectively than traditional diet plans. Medifast Meals come in individual packets that you mix with water and microwave or refrigerate. Medifast is available in a wide variety of foods and flavors including shakes, soups, stew, chili, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit drinks, iced teas, hot beverages, bars and puddings.
• What is the average weight loss amount per week?
  Clinical studies indicate that most people lose an average of 2-5 lbs per week with Medifast. The scale isn’t the only test, so check other indicators such as your waistline measurement and how well your clothes are fitting you. Individual results may vary, and are dependant upon various factors such as your weight when you start the Medifast program, targeted weight loss goal, level of exercise, presence of medical conditions, use of medications, accuracy with diet compliance, etc. As with most diets, Medifast suggests that you consult with your physician prior to starting a weight loss program.
• Why is the Medifast weight loss program special?
  Medifast is an effective, healthy weight loss program. Think of Medifast as a lifestyle change, not just a short-term diet or weight loss solution. Medifast is a quick, healthy diet plan, especially when compared to other diets you’ve likely experienced without success. Medifast is a portion controlled, low calorie weight loss program that leads to more rapid weight loss than traditional diets. Medifast is special because you can achieve the quick weight loss you want, and, unlike other weight loss programs and diet plans you’ve tried, Medifast is clinically proven to produce quick weight loss, typically 2-5 lbs per week.
• How do Medifast weight loss products lead to fast weight loss?
  The clinically tested weight loss results of Medifast are designed to create a healthy gap between the calories you take in and the amount your body burns, thus promoting effective and natural weight loss. Many times, dieters on other low calorie diets do not meet the minimum daily recommended nutritional requirements. Medifast Meals provide the optimal combination of carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients necessary to give you the quick weight loss you want and the healthy weight loss you need. The Medifast weight loss program is an extremely effective diet plan to lose weight fast. Medifast fits your busy life because Medifast Meals are quick and easy to prepare, while still being a healthy diet plan.
• How easy is the Medifast weight loss program?
  With the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you’ll eat 6 meals a day -- 5 Medifast Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal. You can choose any 5 Medifast Meals from our menu of over 60 Medifast Meals, including Medifast shakes, bars, soups, pudding, oatmeal, scrambled eggs and more. Your daily Lean & Green Meal consists of a balance of lean protein (such as beef, chicken or fish) and vegetables, which you’ll prepare yourself.
• How does Medifast help sustain your weight loss results?
  Medifast won’t abandon you the way fad diets have in the past. The Medifast Transition, Maintenance, and Exercise Plans pick up where the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan ends – and teach you how to sustain your weight loss results long-term!
• Does Medifast have Diabetic weight loss programs?
  Medifast has special diet programs for those with type 2 diabetes. The Medifast diabetic diet plan can help you manage your type 2 diabetes and control your weight, with your doctor’s supervision.
• Is Medifast safe?
  Medifast has been clinically proven through a number of controlled studies. More than 15,000 physicians nationwide have recommended Medifast programs to their patients -– and more than one million customers have safely used Medifast for over 25 years.
• How much does Medifast cost?
  Medifast food products cost about $11.00/day or $299.50/month when you take advantage of our convenient Variety Packages (buying foods individually may cost slightly more). That's a lot less than the average of $16.00 a day the average American adult spends on food. Fully-fortified Medifast Meals can be a lot healthier than your typical food intake, considering that we don't always make the healthiest choices at the grocery store or fast-food restaurant. What's more, if you're currently spending money on prescriptions for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, getting to a healthy weight can reduce - or even eliminate - your need for these costly meds.
• What does the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan consist of?
  The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan consists of five (5) portion controlled, nutritionally balanced Medifast Meals plus one (1) Lean & Green Meal.
• What does the Lean & Green Meal consist of?
  The LEAN portion of the Lean & Green Meal consists of 5-7 ounces of lean meat. For a complete list of meats and portion sizes, please refer to our Lean Options List and our Meatless Options List.
  
  The GREEN portion of the Lean & Green Meal consists of 3 servings of low carbohydrate vegetables from our Vegetable List (PDF file).
• Are there certain “approved” vegetables for the Lean & Green Meal?
  All vegetables promote healthful eating; however, during the weight loss phase of your plan, we do suggest that you avoid the “higher carbohydrate” vegetables in order to enhance your weight loss results. Once you Transition to the Maintenance phase of the program, we encourage you to include ALL vegetables for long-term health.
  
  Our Vegetable List will help you identify the relative carbohydrate levels of these approved vegetables. If you hit a weight loss plateau, or are having trouble achieving the fat-burning state, we recommend you choose vegetables primarily from the Green category instead of from the Orange and Blue categories. *NOTE: Carrots, corn, potatoes, peas and brussels sprouts should be avoided while in the weight loss phase of your Medifast Plan. Please add them to your diet once you transition to the Maintenance Plan.
• Can I use Medifast Meals interchangeably?
  One of the great benefits of Medifast Meals is that they may be used interchangeably, so you can choose any five Medifast Meals you want for the 5 & 1 Plan. (The Maintenance Bars - in the green wrapper - should be limited to one per day on the 5 & 1 Plan due to their higher calorie and carbohydrates content. The Crunch Bars - in the yellow wrapper - are completely interchangeable with other Medifast Meals.)
  
  The only Medifast Meals that you should limit to fewer than five per day are:

  • Maintenance Bars (in the green wrapper) (only 1 a day on the 5 & 1 Plan)
  • Essential1: Calorie Burn Meals (up to 3 a day on the 5 & 1 Plan)
  • Medifast Plus for Joint Health Shakes (up to 3 a day on the 5 & 1 Plan)
  • Medifast Plus for Coronary Health Shakes (up to 3 a day on the 5 & 1 Plan)
• What kind of snacks can I have on this program?
  Medifast offers a variety of healthy, delicious snacks that can be used to augment the 5 & 1 Plan, including:

  • Soy Crisps (apple cinnamon, ranch or white cheddar flavors)
  • Crackers (multi-grain or garden vegetable flavors)

  Other snacks you may have include:

  • 3 celery stalks
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free gelatin
  • 1 sugar-free Popsicle®
  • 2 dill pickle spears
  • up to 3 pieces of sugar-free gum or mints

  Limit your snack intake to one (1) per day. Snacks should NOT take the place of a Medifast Meal or Lean & Green Meal.
  
  *NOTE: Eating more than one (1) snack per day may hinder weight loss. For information on slower weight loss, please refer to our Plateau Tips.
• Can I substitute a sixth Medifast Meal for my one Lean & Green?
  This is not recommended. In order to maximize effectiveness and to ensure that you get all the nutrition your body requires, the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan (5 Medifast Meals plus 1 Lean & Green Meal) should be followed – unless otherwise recommended by your physician.
• Is the Lean serving size the cooked or uncooked weight?
  It is the cooked weight.
• How many calories are in the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan?
  The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan provides 800 to 1,000 calories per day, depending on your personal selections.
• Can I substitute frozen meals for my Lean & Green Meals?
  Medifast does not recommend frozen dinners on the 5 & 1 Plan – primarily due to their varying calorie levels, excessive sodium content and lower protein levels.
• Do any Medifast products contain MSG?
  The Cream of Tomato Soup is the only product that contains MSG.
• How does Medifast sweeten its products?
  Medifast uses a combination of fructose and acesulfame potassium to sweeten most products. This combination is used because we have found it to make the best quality products without contributing significantly to calories, sugars or carbohydrates. For more information about acesulfame potassium, click here.
  
  There are sugar alcohols in some flavors of Medifast Bars (Caramel Nut and Plus for Diabetics Bars). Momentum by Medifast Flavor Infusers are sweetened with Sucralose and do not contain acesulfame potassium.
• What’s the difference between ‘Medifast 55’ and ‘Medifast 70’ Shakes?
  ‘Medifast 55’ Shakes have 90 calories and 11g of protein. ‘Medifast 70’ Shakes have 100 calories and 14g of protein. Medifast 55 Shakes are recommended for women. Medifast 70 Shakes are recommended for men and for women who are active or prefer a higher protein count.
• Does Medifast have a support system on the web?
  Yes –- “MyMedifast” provides you with valuable tools, support and information that will help you with your Medifast plan AND assist you with nutrition, exercise and motivation. An easy-to-use meal-planning tool is available – plus you'll be able to connect with other people in the Medifast community just like yourself. MyMedifast is offered at no additional charge – but is available only to Medifast customers.
• Are there any stimulants in the Medifast Products?
  Most Medifast Meals do not contain any stimulants, ephedrine, or other herbs that might be harmful to your body.
  
  Our Momentum by Medifast product line contains 100 mg of caffeine and 90 mg of EGCG, a potent antioxidant found in green tea. This amount of caffeine is equivalent to 1 cup of brewed coffee. Using Momentum products is a lifestyle choice, so if you would rather not consume EGCG and additional caffeine you may choose other Medifast products. Momentum products are only included in Variety Packages that are labeled Momentum, and not in our standard Variety Packages for Women, Men and Diabetes.
• Is Medifast covered under my insurance?
  Weight loss programs are generally not covered by medical insurance, but please check with both your doctor and your insurance carrier for information relative to your individual circumstances. Some policies may cover weight loss programs in conjunction with specific medical conditions (such as primary diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or heart disease) in which obesity is a factor and weight loss can lead to management or improvement of these conditions. But again, you will need to ask your doctor and your insurance carrier this question in order to receive an accurate answer based on your coverage and medical status. Medifast does not bill insurance companies on behalf of its customers.
• What is your shipping policy? Has Medifast been affected by the recent peanut recall (January 2009)?
  All orders are processed within 24 hours and shipped the next business day. Allow 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping; 3 to 4 business days for expedited shipping (additional charge). 'Medifast Advantage' orders of $200 or more (total after coupons and discounts) get FREE standard shipping anywhere in the U.S. 'Non-Medifast Advantage' orders of $275 or more (total after coupons and discounts) get half-price standard shipping anywhere in the U.S.
  
  Need your Medifast...fast? For just $9.95, you can put your order on the fast track! Add MedifastTrack Expedited Processing to your order and we'll push your order to the front of the line so you get your products faster than ever. Select this option during checkout.
• Has Medifast been affected by the recent peanut recall (January 2009)?
  No. There is no indication that any Medifast products are impacted by the peanut recall. Medifast has been in contact with our ingredient suppliers to ensure the safety of our products and we have verified that Medifast does not purchase any ingredients from the supplier in question. Again, we have no reason to believe that any Medifast products containing peanuts have been affected.