Abstract
Objective: A chart review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Medifast (MD) meal replacement (MR) plan in a Medifast Weight Control Center (MWCC) on body weight, body composition, and other health measures at 4, 12, 24 weeks, and final weight loss visit. Methods: Charts included adults aged 18 - 70 (n = 446) with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 who attended one of three MWCCs and were following the MD MR program. Data were collected electronically and included weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, lean muscle mass (LMM), body fat mass, % body fat, and abdominal circumference. Compliance measures included attendance at weekly visits, intake of MRs and supplements, food journals, and ketone testing. Results: Significant weight loss and % weight loss were achieved at all time points with clinically significant weight loss (>5%) occurring in just 4 weeks. Additionally, significant improvements in body composition were seen at all time points coupled with increases in % total body weight as LMM (% LMM improved by 3.5%, 9.8%, 16.0%, and 13.9%, respectively). Blood pressure and pulse were significantly improved, demonstrating the clinical benefit for clients. Multivariate regression revealed a strong inverse relationship between weight change, % compliance with attendance, and the number of weeks that MRs were taken as recommended as well as a positive association with number of ketone tests. Conclusion: The MD MR plan, combined with the support and accountability available in the MWCC, is an efficacious program that promotes significant weight loss and improvements in body composition. These results reveal significant associations between components of compliance and weight loss, but particularly highlight the importance of attendance, a focus of the MWCC model compared to nonclinic models.
Highlights
The number of overweight and obese Americans in the United States has increased dramatically over the last few decades
The MD meal replacement (MR) plan, combined with the support and accountability available in the Medifast Weight Control Centers (MWCC), is an efficacious program that promotes significant weight loss and improvements in body composition. These results reveal significant associations between components of compliance and weight loss, but highlight the importance of attendance, a focus of the MWCC model compared to non-clinic models
The average length of time spent in the active weight loss phase was 19.6 ± 13.5 weeks. 87.7% of those prescribed at least 4 weeks of active weight loss attended the Week 4 visit (Table 2). 64.4% of those prescribed at least 12 weeks attended the Week 12 visit (Table 3) and 43.8% of those prescribed at least 24 weeks attended the Week 24 visit (Table 4)
Summary
The number of overweight and obese Americans in the United States has increased dramatically over the last few decades. According to the 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), just over 74% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2. Of this population, more than 34% are obese with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 [2]. The prevalence of obesity continues to increase throughout our society despite significant action to combat this condition
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