Use of the Medifast meal replacement program for weight loss in overweight and obese clients: A retrospective chart review of three Medifast Weight Control Centers (MWCC)

Abstract

ObjectiveA chart review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Medifast meal replacement plan (MD) on body weight and body composition at 4, 12, 24 weeks (wk), and final weight loss visit (19.6 ± 13.5 wk) (FV) at 3 MWCCs for the years 2007–10.MethodsCharts included adults aged 18–70 following MD with a BMI ≥ 25 that signed a patient health information consent form. 453 charts (males n=60 (13.5%); females n= 386 (86.5%)) were included. Data were collected electronically and included weight (Wt), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), lean muscle mass (LMM), body fat mass (BFM), % body fat (%BF), and abdominal circumference (AC). Additional data collected included: demographics, side effects, and compliance.ResultsSignificant improvements (p<0.0001) were seen at all time‐points: wk 4, 12, 24, and FV. Wt loss: −12.7, −26.3, −38.2, −25.7 lbs; % Wt loss: −6.0, −12.1, −17.0, −12.3%; %BF: −2.2, −5.2, −8.5, −6.6; BFM: −10.1, −20.1, −31.6, −23.5 lbs; AC: −2.2, −4.0, −6.0, −4.7 in; SBP: −8.0, −8.6, −15.6, −8.8 mmHG; DBP: −5.3, −6.4, −9.2, −6.0 mmHG. Percent total body weight that was LMM improved by 3.5, 9.8, 16.0, and 13.9% (P<0.0001) respectively.ConclusionMedifast's meal replacement plan, along with the support available from MWCC, is an efficacious model that promotes significant weight loss and improvements in body composition. This research was funded by Medifast, Inc., Owings Mills, MD.