Contraindications

• What conditions would absolutely PROHIBIT my use of a low calorie diet such as Medifast?
  • Myocardial Infarction (MI) / Heart Attack within previous 3 months (unless cleared by a cardiologist)
  • Recent or recurrent CVAs and/or TIAs (stroke); uncontrolled seizures
  • Unstable angina; clotting disorders
  • Type 1 Diabetes (can be used for improved nutrition or weight maintenance but is not recommended for a weight loss program; can add Medifast Meals to regular dietary intake)
  • Severe liver disease (may require a low protein diet)
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Active peptic ulcer disease
  • Active cancers
  • Active thrombophlebitis (DVT/PE within 3 months)
  • Pregnant or lactating
  • Eating disorder (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia)
  • Severe psychiatric disturbance (history of major depression and/or suicide attempts)
  • Corticosteroid therapy >20 mg/day
  • Chronic illicit drug usage; addictions; alcoholism; substance abuse
• What conditions could LIMIT my use of Medifast products?
  Certain conditions may necessitate close supervision by your physician. Please check with your physician prior to starting the Medifast program if any of the following conditions apply:

  • Use of the medication lithium -- your physician may wish to monitor your lithium levels while on the program
  • History of seizures -- your physician may wish to monitor your seizure medication levels while on the program
  • History of peptic ulcer disease (not active)
  • Use of anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin or Warfarin -- your physician should be aware that Medifast products are fortified with Vitamin K and that your daily intake of Vitamin K will be consistent; your physician may wish to monitor your medication levels while on the program
  • Over the age of 70 -- a higher calorie and/or protein level may be necessary, so we do not recommend the standard Medifast 5 & 1 Plan; refer to our Senior Meal Plan for helpful information about using Medifast products in conjunction with a 1,200 calorie per day diet
  • Adolescent use (beyond puberty and under the age of 18) -- any weight loss program (such as Medifast) should be used only as directed by your physician
• Can I use Medifast if I am currently using diuretics?
  We recommend that you ask your physician if a low calorie diet is appropriate for you. Using diuretics while on the 5 & 1 Plan may result in an alteration of your sodium/potassium levels (due to increased urine output), so your physician may wish to monitor your electrolytes and/or adjust the dosage (or discontinue the use) of the diuretic while you are doing the Medifast program.
• Can I use Medifast if I am currently using thyroid medications?
  Individuals with hypothyroidism can use Medifast under the direct supervision of a physician. Your physician may want to monitor your labs and medications, and may suggest using a soy-free Medifast product around the time of day that you take thyroid medication. For information on soy-free products, please refer to our Allergen/Dietary Informatio.
• Can I use Medifast if I have had gastric bypass surgery?
  We have had many individuals use Medifast prior to and after having gastric bypass surgery. Your meal plan should be adjusted based on when your surgery was completed. Medifast Meals are portion controlled, high protein, low carbohydrate and fortified with vitamins and minerals. Medifast recommends (as with any weight loss program) that you consult with your doctor prior to and throughout the weight loss process. Your physician may want to monitor your labs and medications, or may suggest a different calorie level than our standard 5 & 1 Plan. We will be happy to work with you and/or your physician to help meet your needs.