Medi Weight Loss: Is It A Keto Diet?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust. It is a high-protein, low-carb diet plan designed to promote long-lasting weight loss. The program has three phases: the Acute Phase, the Short-Term Maintenance Phase, and the Wellness Phase. During the first phase, patients follow an individualized, low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diet that supports weight loss and induces ketosis. While the plan is low-carb, with between 5% and 20% of caloric intake coming from carbohydrates, it does not involve calorie counting or tracking carbohydrate consumption. The second phase involves gradually increasing daily calorie and carbohydrate intake, along with tools to support long-term weight maintenance. The final phase focuses on continued accountability, support, education, and guidance to achieve overall health and wellness.

The Medi-Weightloss Program provides comprehensive guidelines on which foods to eat and avoid. During the initial acute weight loss phase, the diet includes plenty of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and lean protein sources, while limiting high-carb foods. The plan is very low in calories and thus quite restrictive, especially during the initial weight loss phase. It is also more expensive than other popular diet plans.

While there is limited research on the effectiveness of the Medi-Weightloss Program specifically, some studies suggest that similar diet patterns may be beneficial for weight loss. A 2020 study found that people following the program lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 39 weeks, along with significant reductions in body fat and belly fat. However, it is important to note that this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss, which may influence the results.

What is the Medi-Weightloss Program?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program with 97 franchise locations in 27 US states, with more opening soon. The program was founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust, and it claims to have helped 300,000 people lose more than 7.5 million pounds.

The program is designed to help people lose weight and keep it off long-term. It is a high-protein, low-carb diet plan that creates an individualized plan tailored to each person's needs. The plan pairs a low-carb, high-protein diet with weekly check-ins at one of the company's clinics. It may also involve using supplements, prescription medications, or nutrient injections under the guidance of a Medi-Weightloss healthcare professional.

The program is divided into three phases: the acute weight loss phase, the short-term maintenance phase, and the wellness phase. In the acute phase, patients follow an individualized, low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diet, which includes lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats that support weight loss and induce ketosis. While the plan is low-carb, with between 5% and 20% of caloric intake coming from carbohydrates, the program does not involve counting calories or tracking carbohydrates consumed.

Once patients get closer to their weight loss goal, they transition to the short-term maintenance phase, in which they gradually increase their daily calorie and carbohydrate intake. They continue to receive weekly consultations and guidance.

The final phase is the wellness phase, which begins once patients have reached their goal weight. During this phase, patients move to monthly consultations, with a strong focus on continued accountability, support, education, and guidance to achieve overall health and wellness. During this phase, patients adopt a 40:30:30 eating plan, with 40% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 30% from fat.

The Medi-Weightloss Program provides comprehensive guidelines for which foods to eat and avoid. During the acute weight loss phase, patients may need to reduce their intake of high-carb foods. Recommended foods include fruits, non-starchy vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and lean protein sources. Some higher-carb foods are permitted in moderation, including dairy products, whole grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, and others. Processed and refined foods that are rich in carbohydrates or added sugar should be limited.

The program is tailored to each person's needs and includes personalized guidance from a healthcare professional, along with detailed resources like shopping lists, recipes, and workout plans. It is also split into several phases, which may be beneficial for those who prefer a more structured program. The final phase supports long-term weight maintenance.

However, there are some downsides to the program. There is limited research on its effectiveness, and the supplements provided by the company may be unnecessary and could interact with medications. The plan can also be very restrictive and difficult to follow, especially during the initial weight loss phase, and it is more expensive than other popular diet plans.

What does the program involve?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program with 97 franchise locations in 27 US states. The program was founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust and has since helped 300,000 people lose more than 7.5 million pounds.

The program involves three phases: the acute phase, the short-term maintenance phase, and the wellness phase.

Acute Phase

During the acute phase, patients follow an individualised, low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diet. This diet features lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats that support weight loss and induce ketosis. While the plan is low-carb, with between 5% and 20% of caloric intake coming from carbohydrates, the program does not involve counting calories or tracking carbohydrates consumed. However, when patients follow the plan as directed, it typically generates a caloric deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories per day.

The acute phase also involves weekly consultations with a physician, and medications that support weight loss may be prescribed for eligible patients.

Short-Term Maintenance Phase

As patients approach their target weight, they transition to the short-term maintenance phase, during which they gradually increase their daily calorie and carbohydrate intake. This phase provides the tools necessary to achieve sustainable lifestyle and behavioural changes to support long-term weight maintenance. Patients continue to receive weekly consultations and individualised guidance during this phase.

Wellness Phase

The final phase, the wellness phase, occurs once patients have reached their goal weight. During this phase, patients move to monthly consultations with a strong focus on continued accountability, support, education, and guidance to achieve overall health and wellness. Advanced testing and metabolic analysis are also performed, and body composition is remeasured. During this phase, patients adopt a 40:30:30 eating plan, also known as the Zone diet, where 40% of calories come from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 30% from fat. The total number of calories is tailored to each individual based on height, weight, age, activity level, and other factors.

Throughout the program, patients are encouraged to exercise, with the American College of Sports Medicine recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

How does it compare to other diets?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program with 97 franchise locations in 27 states. It is a low-calorie, low-carb diet plan that offers fast weight loss overseen by a healthcare professional. It is divided into three phases: the "Acute Phase", the "Short-Term Maintenance Phase", and the "Wellness Phase".

The program has been criticised for being overly restrictive, expensive, and difficult to follow. The initial consultation typically ranges from $250 to $300, and weekly check-ins cost between $75 and $100. This makes it significantly more expensive than other popular diet programs such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and Noom.

The Mediterranean diet, by comparison, is more of a lifestyle than a diet. It is characterised by an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, and healthy fats; a moderate amount of chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy; and limited amounts of red and processed meats, added sugars, and processed foods. It is less restrictive than the Medi-Weightloss Program, with no specific foods being excluded. Instead, the diet focuses on limiting the consumption of certain foods, such as red meat, processed foods, and sweets.

The ketogenic (keto) diet, on the other hand, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. It is much more restrictive than the Mediterranean diet, eliminating many high-carb foods, including fruits, starchy vegetables, grains, and legumes. The keto diet has been associated with rapid weight loss, but it can be challenging to stick to in the long term. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential negative effects of a high-fat, low-carb diet on heart health, with some studies suggesting it may increase levels of LDL cholesterol.

In terms of effectiveness, a 2020 study found that people following the Medi-Weightloss Program lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 39 weeks. However, it is important to note that this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss, and there is limited independent research on the effectiveness of the program.

When comparing the Mediterranean diet and the keto diet, a controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2022 found that both groups lost similar amounts of weight. However, the Mediterranean diet was found to be superior in reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDL). The keto diet also resulted in lower fibre intake and lower levels of several vitamins and minerals. Overall, the Mediterranean diet is generally considered to be a healthier and more sustainable option for weight loss and improving heart health.

Does it work for weight loss?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust. It is a high-protein, low-carb diet plan designed to promote long-lasting weight loss. The program has three phases: the "Acute Phase", the "Short-Term Maintenance Phase", and the "Wellness Phase".

In the "Acute Phase", patients follow an individualized, low-calorie, and low-carbohydrate diet, which includes lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. This phase aims to support weight loss and induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body shifts to burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While the plan is low-carb, it does not involve strict calorie counting or tracking of carbohydrates consumed.

The "Short-Term Maintenance Phase" is transitioned to as patients approach their target weight. During this phase, patients gradually increase their daily calorie and carbohydrate intake while receiving tools and guidance to support long-term weight maintenance.

The final "Wellness Phase" occurs once the target weight is reached, with a focus on continued accountability, support, education, and guidance to achieve overall health and wellness. This phase adopts a 40:30:30 eating plan, with 40% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 30% from fat.

The effectiveness of the Medi-Weightloss Program for weight loss has been studied. A 2020 study found that participants lost an average of 21% of their body weight after 39 weeks, along with significant reductions in body fat and belly fat. However, it is important to note that this study was funded by Medi-Weightloss, which may introduce bias.

While there is limited research specifically on this diet, studies show that similar eating patterns may be effective for weight loss. Low-carb diets have been found to increase weight loss and reduce body fat. Additionally, increasing protein intake can enhance feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and positively impact body composition. The Medi-Weightloss Program also involves regular check-ins and counseling from a medical professional, which can provide extra support and guidance for weight loss.

In summary, the Medi-Weightloss Program is a personalized, high-protein, and low-carb diet plan that aims for long-lasting weight loss. While there is limited research specifically on its effectiveness, studies suggest that similar eating patterns may be beneficial for weight loss. The program's structure, guidance, and accountability measures may also contribute to its potential for weight loss success.

What are the downsides of the program?

The Medi-Weightloss Program is a commercial weight management program with 97 franchise locations in 27 states, founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Edward Kaloust. The program has helped 300,000 people lose more than 7.9 million pounds since its founding. While the program has been successful, it also has several downsides.

Firstly, the program is very restrictive and difficult to follow, especially during the initial weight loss phase. It is a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet that may be challenging to maintain, as it involves limiting the intake of many high-carbohydrate foods. This can make eating at restaurants or in social settings difficult, and the strict diet may not be sustainable for everyone in the long term.

Secondly, the Medi-Weightloss Program can be expensive. The prices for the initial consultation typically range from $250 to $300, and weekly check-ins cost an additional $75 to $100. These costs are significantly higher than other popular diet programs such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or Noom. The program also recommends branded supplements, which are unnecessary for most people and add to the overall cost.

Thirdly, there is limited research on the effectiveness of the program specifically, apart from studies funded directly by the company. The long-term efficacy of the program is still uncertain, and more investigation is needed to confirm the findings.

Additionally, the supplements provided by the company contain herbs that may interact with medications and lead to side effects. It is important for individuals to consult with their primary care provider before starting any new dietary supplement to ensure their safety.

Finally, the program requires weekly or monthly check-ins at one of the Medi-Weightloss clinics, which may not be convenient for those who do not live near a clinic.

Frequently asked questions