THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY - Abstract
During a multi-center evaluation of health
benefits and weight loss on the Medifast Weight Management Program, doctors
Crowell, M.D. and Cheskin, L.J.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted a 16-week analysis
of 185 people using the Medifast program.
Findings: Males
lost an average of 67.41 lbs. (as much as 121 lbs.) and females lost an
average of 47.5 lbs. during fasting. Ninety-one (91%) percent of males and 72%
of females lost more than 40 lbs. on the program. Significant reductions were
seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and
triglycerides. Blood pressures were normalized in 90% of hypertensive
patients. Only minor, transient side effects were seen during the modified
fast. The most common complaints were headaches, fatigue, lightheadedness, and
cold intolerance.
Conclusion:
Medically-supervised, protein-sparing modified fasts (the Medifast program)
offer a safe, effective means of weight reduction and are accompanied by
significant improvements in coexisting health problems.
MEDIFAST PRODUCTS PART OF NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
OBESITY STUDY
February 1998 the Medifast weight management
products were used by patients enrolled in a National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Obesity Research Study being conducted by the University of Vermont in
Burlington, VT in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,
Maryland.
Medifast products were used as part of the
study's 1100-1300 calorie weight loss program that obese patients follow to
reduce down to their ideal body weight.
Preliminary results showed that of the 15 or
so patients who completed the study, the average weight loss was approximately
45 lbs. with some individuals losing as much as 65-80 lbs. Ms.. Amy Turner,
RD, the registered dietitian who is in charge of the dietary component of the
study states that "the patients love the taste of both the Medifast and
Take Shape shakes and I've had no complaints."
Researchers at the University of Vermont
chose to use Medifast products in the study based on the recommendation of Dr.
Lawrence Cheskin, Director of the Weight Management Center at Johns Hopkins
University. Dr. Cheskin has used Medifast products (shakes, bars, creamy
soups, hot cocoa, crackers) at the Weight Management Center for over 8 years
and has been quite satisfied with them.
Brad MacDonald, CEO of Medifast says, "Medifast
offers consumers 'clinically tested'; weight management products that
work."
MEDIFAST PRODUCTS QUALIFY TO MAKE THE
HEALTH CLAIM FOR SOY: "May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease" AS
APPROVED BY THE FDA.
Coronary heart disease, one of the most
common and serious forms of cardiovascular disease, is a major public health
concern because it causes more deaths in the U.S. than any other disease. Risk
factors for CHD include high total cholesterol levels and high levels of
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
This new health claim is based on evidence
that including soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may
also help to reduce the risk of CHD. Recent clinical trials have shown that
consumption of soy protein compared to other proteins such as those from milk
or meat, can lower total and LDL-cholesterol ("bad cholesterol")
levels, without affecting HDL-cholesterol 'good cholesterol') levels.
The Medifast weight management product-line
consists of delicious shakes, satisfying bars, creamy soups, oatmeal and chili
that incorporates healthy meal replacements and snacks as part of the overall
dietary plan included in every box. The Medifast brand has been clinically
tested to get results. Lactose-free and Kosher-certified Medifast Take Shape
Shakes provide over 10 grams of soy protein per serving (the most in its
category).
On October 20, 1999 the Food and Drug
Administration authorized Medifast, as a manufacturer, to make the following
health claim pertaining to its Medifast Products:
"25 grams of soy protein a day, as part
of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart
disease." Great-tasting Medifast? Products contain
clinically-significant amounts of soy protein, making it easy for you to take
control of your health!
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Other Promising Health Benefits of Soy:
Studies have suggested that soy protein may:
- Protect against coronary heart disease by lowering LDL-cholesterol
levels
- Protect against some cancers
- Breast Cancer - The estrogen-like compounds found in
soy protein compete with "naturally-occurring" estrogen
- Prostate Cancer - genistein from soy is a potent
inhibitor of cancer cell growth
- Protect against osteoporosis - decreases calcium
excretion, prevents bone breakdown
- Reduce menopausal symptoms - estrogen-like compounds
provide an "estrogen lift" during menopause (reduces hot
flashes, etc.)
- Ongoing research shows additional promising health
benefits of soy protein
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