The Medifast Diet, originally created in 1981 as a doctor-administered weight loss plan but now open to anyone, is a system which offers quick weight loss based on a carefully-administered set of meal options. For many, it has shown great results, with substantial and quick weight loss, especially early in the plan. But those looking to shed the pounds in a big hurry must be careful, because this extreme level of dieting offers its own distinct hazards. Other People Are Reading Medi-Fast Vs. Jenny Craig Vs. Weight Watchers What Is the Cost of Medifast? The Medifast Plan At its heart, the Medifast plan works on two levels, reducing both overall calorie intake and carbohydrate consumption. By cutting daily calories down to 1,000 or below (half the recommended daily allotment), you can lose weight simply by going about your normal activities. And by cutting out carbohydrates in the diet, the plan seeks to push dieters into what is known as ketosis, further accelerating weight loss.

• At its heart, the Medifast plan works on two levels, reducing both overall calorie intake and carbohydrate consumption. By cutting daily calories down to 1,000 or below (half the recommended daily allotment), you can lose weight simply by going about your normal activities. And by cutting out carbohydrates in the diet, the plan seeks to push dieters into what is known as ketosis, further accelerating weight loss.


• Normally, the body gets its quick energy from carbohydrates, and the normal American diet gives it plenty to work with. Deprived of carbs, however, the body shifts into a mode where it consumes anything it can get for energy, primarily fat. This can result in quick weight loss, but it can also cause damage to the muscles and other organs if the protein intake is not kept at an acceptable level. Adherents to the Medifast plan are encouraged to drink protein shakes and consume other supplements to ensure their bodies are able to maintain themselves.


• One of the other pitfalls of the Medifast plan is common to any diet involving a seriously reduced caloric intake. Going from 2,000 calories a day (or often more) to 1,000 does produce significant effects in the body. In addition to the expected hunger, the abrupt change in intake can cause lightheadedness, irritability, headaches or gastrointestinal issues. Especially in the early stages of the diet, this can make the plan difficult to adhere to; unfortunately, Medifast only works well when the regimen is followed carefully. Those who have found success with Medifast report that the body does adjust to the lower calorie count, although the process can vary from person to person.


• One of the dangers of any dietary plan, especially those that severely restrict caloric intake, is malnutrition. Considerable care must be taken to ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals your body requires despite eating less; for this reason the Medifast diet is very carefully engineered and should be followed precisely. Skipping any of the plan's supplements could rob your body of important nutrients and lead to deficiencies or illness. Also, the natural process of removing excess sugar from the body can lead to dehydration, so it is important to maintain a healthy intake of liquids to ensure a proper fluid balance.


• Another area of concern is for those dieters with serious medical concerns, such as heart conditions, diabetes or other diseases. While Medifast is generally recognized as a safe dietary plan, if you have any health concerns check with your doctor before adopting the plan. You should also go for regular checkups as you diet, to ensure that your body is getting what it needs to remain healthy.

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