Medifast: The truth about the low calorie diet.

Medifast has two basic programs: the first is the traditional physician-supervised low calorie diet of liquid meal replacements. This plan is offered by thousands of physicians across the United States, but is reserved for those who are obese or suffer from serious health problems such as diabetes, bulimia, thrombophlebitus, active cancer and other maladies. The second, known as Take Shape for Life is offered direct to the public. This makes it available to people of all sizes, not just the very obese or health-challenged patient. While the Take Shape for Life program still recommends physician involvement, the products are offered by Health Advisors, who are expected to provide ongoing support, encouragement, and information to the clients. Health advisors are offered training opportunities to enable them to assist clients with long-term lifestyle changes, as well as short-term diet goals. Food can be ordered online, and there is a medical hotline number available to answer questions about being on the Medifast food plans. It is also not an exclusively liquid diet. It includes bars, chili, oatmeal, and crackers in addition to shakes and soups.