A Retrospective Chart Review of Three Medifast Weight Control Centers

Use of the Medifast Meal Replacement Program for Weight Loss in Obese Patients: A Restrospective Chart Review of Three Medifast Weight Control Centers (MWCC)

The primary aim of this study is to to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of the MWCC Jump Start (Medifast's 5 & 1) Plan on the following indices: weight loss, anthropometric changes, and reduction in common markers of coronary heart disease.

Portion-controlled meal replacements by themselves have been shown to be an effective weight control strategy in overweight and obese individuals. The addition of medical supervision has been shown to result in greater weight loss than meal replacements alone. MWCC provides this added support through individual weekly counseling sessions. Thus, the investigators plan to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of the MWCC Jump Start (Medifast's 5 & 1) Plan on the following indices: weight loss, anthropometric changes, and reduction in common markers of coronary heart disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult males and females aged 18-70
• Followed the Jump Start (5 & 1) Plan
• BMI ≥ 25
• Purchased a weight management program at the MWCC location in the last 3 years
• Signed patient health information consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• On a plan other than the 5&1 (Jump Start)
• Completed initial consultation but did not participate further
• Program stopped due to client not getting baseline labs
• Program stopped due for medical reasons unrelated to the 5 & 1 (Jump Start) plan
• Currently an active participant at the MWCC
• No signed patient health information consent form or written request to revoke consent