INTRODUCTION
Medifast and Take Shape for Life is committed to maximizing health and wellness through it’s provision of soy-based meal replacement weight control programs. In light of recent controversy, including books, slanting soy, Medifast feels it is their duty to provide the latest evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of dietary soy for healthcare providers.

The following document provides a comprehensive summary of the latest scientific information regarding soy and its relationship with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, menopause, bone health, and kidney function, as well as addresses any safety concerns regarding soy.

Medifast’s soy-based meal replacements provide a healthy way of achieving the optimal amount of dietary protein crucial for weight loss while still preserving lean muscle mass. In addition to preserving calorie-burning lean muscle tissue, dietary protein stimulates thermogenesis more than carbohydrates or fats and is the most satiating macronutrient. Soy protein is a healthy alternative to animal-based proteins that tend to be high in fat and saturated fat.

Both human and animal studies have demonstrated a favorable effect of soy protein on body weight and fat distribution. In a 12-week study comparing soy protein meal replacements to milk-based protein meal replacements as part of a low energy diet, soy MRs were associated with greater weight loss (Anderson & Hoie, 2005).

HEALTH BENEFITS
Cardiovascular Disease
Soy’s isoflavones, genistein and diadzein, protect the heart by boosting the activity of LDL receptors that remove ‘bad’ cholesterol
from the bloodstream. Additional ways soy may protect the heart are through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially
anti-thrombogenic properties (Clair & Anthony, 2005). Randomized controlled trials have also shown that soy decreases homocysteine levels in both men and women (generally post-menopausal)

BOTTOM LINE:

• Medifast meal replacements are made from the highest quality soy protein with the highest levels of naturally-occuring isoflavones.
  
• Soy is inversely associated with all-cause mortality.
  
• Soy protein protects against coronary risk factors and 33 of Medifast’s meal replacements carry the Heart Healthy Claim.
  
• Soy may improve the metabolic abnormalities of metabolic syndrome.
  
• Men who consume soy may have lower rates of prostate cancer.
  
• Soy appears to have a protective effect against premenopausal breast cancer. The verdict is still out among postmenopausal females, or females with a past personal history
  or family history of breast cancer. The verdict is also still out regarding the use of soy and Tamoxifen. Medifast recommends that patients follow the NCI guidelines and the advice of their physician or breast cancer specialist.
  
• Soy appears to protect against cancers of the GI tract and may help eradicate H. Pylori infections.
  
• Soy helps with vasomotor symptoms of menopause
  and positively affects other menopause-related health conditions.
  
• Soy has no adverse effects in euthyroid individuals.
  Individuals with hypothyroidism on synthetic thyroid hormones
  do not need to avoid soy in their diets. General guidelines
  are to consume soy meals three hours before or after taking thyroid hormones; closely monitor labs; and ensure adequate iodine is consumed.
  
• There is evidence to suggest that soy confers a protective effect on bone. The benefits of soy on bone health may be garnered most during peri-menopause or early post-menopause.
  
• Soy does not alter sexual function, behavior, or affect sterility.
  

The amount of oxalate in 5 Medifast meal replacements,
as part of the 5 & 1 diet plan, is well beneath the ADA’s daily cut-off value for calcium oxalate stone-formers.

CONCLUDING REMARKS
For most people, the benefits of incorporating soy protein as part of a healthy diet plan far outweigh the potential (or hypothetical)
risks. This is particularly true for overweight or obese individuals, who are more likely to suffer from a comorbidity that would be responsive to soy. Medifast is a pioneer in recognizing the dual benefit that can be potentially gained by offering the highest quality soy protein, rich in isoflavones, as part of their clinically-tested weight control program.

I just received the Medifast Blender Bottle and it works GREAT! I tried it on my Medifast Eggs instead of using a whisk and all of the Medifast supplements gets blended into the water perfectly.

Then I used the Medifast Blender bottle on a Medifast Antioxidant Shake and it blends it perfectly again. The Medifast Shaker and TSFL Ultimate Shaker leave the Medifast Antioxidant Shake lumpy and the shake tastes awful.

Whether your on the Take Shape for Life 5 & 1 program or on maintenance, you need the Medifast Blender Bottle.

Here are some details about the Medifast Blender Bottle.

The BlenderBottle® stands out not merely as the best mixing and highest quality shaker on the market, it also gets high marks from those who are health and earth conscious:

Recyclable.
The BlenderBall® is made of electropolished 316 (surgical grade) stainless steel. It is made of the same material and goes through the same manufacturing process as surgical instruments. It won’t rust, chip or peel.

Click Here for more information about the Medifast Blender Bottle.

Click Here to Order your Medifast Blender Bottle and Select “Program Materials” link on the left and scroll down to see BlenderBottle product.

When it comes to exercise, are you getting too much of a good thing? Take Shape For Life recommends no more than 45 minutes of intense activity while following the 5 & 1 Plan and to build to this level gradually, listening to your body as you increase the time and/or intensity of your workouts.

Here are some of the symptoms of overtraining:

• Your workouts are getting harder, not easier
• You feel more tired during the day
• You have difficulty getting up in the morning, falling asleep at night, or sleeping soundly

If you are, in fact, overtraining, then you’ll feel better - and get better results - if you cut back. Overexercising can depress your immune system and leave you at greater risk of injury.

If you not on the Take Shape for Life BeSlim customer preferred club we have put some how to videos on how you can join and start saving money on your Medifast products. Here is the link for more details. BeSlim Club Link.

If you found yourself to be somewhat of a couch potato during the cold, winter months, now is the time to spring into action! Warmer weather is upon us (or at least just around the corner), and now is a great time to get things rolling! Walk or bike outdoors and enjoy the blooming flowers. Grab your rollerblades or tennis rackets. Look into summer programs for the whole family, as these often get booked up quickly.

Watch the Road

Now that spring is finally here, you are probably eager to get outside to walk, bike, and jog. However, be aware of the new potholes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks. The wrong step could leave you with a twisted ankle. It might not hurt to drive your chosen path first to check for potential hazards. You could also choose a path that you know to be safe, such as a dirt t rail or a track.

Spring Clean Your Way to Fitness

Still putting off your spring cleaning? Don’t think of it as a chore—think of it as a great workout! Here is an example of approximately what a 150 pound individual may burn in one hour of cleaning:

• Light cleaning (dust, vacuum, change linen): 170
• Mowing the lawn (power mower): 307
• Heavy cleaning (wash windows, wash car, mop, clean garage): 307
• Home repair (painting, papering, laying carpet or linoleum): 307
• Moving furniture: 409

Workouts-Part of Your Daily Routine

Trying to squeeze a workout into your day unsuccessfully? Instead, physically schedule an “exercise appointment” into your daily routine. This will help you keep to your agenda and activities on track.

Cook Lightly

Looking for an easy way to add flavor to meals without a lot of calories? Try cooking with low-sodium broths (such as vegetable, beef or chicken) instead of higher calorie alternatives. You may be surprised to find that just a small amount of bouillon can be used to stir-fry vegetables or tofu or simmer meats.

To stir-fry with bouillon simply place a pan with a small amount of bouillon over high heat. When the broth is warm add your vegetables or tofu and continue to stir veggies until they are cooked al dente (crisp to the taste). To simmer meats, simply turn heat down to medium and allow to simmer, watching to ensure the pot does not accidentally boil over.

Are you an Inactive Client?

If you are an Inactive client now is the time to put a little “Spring” into your step. We have developed a promotion to help you! Until April 30, 2008, for Inactive Clients can try one month of our new, delicious Momentum products for free, just by purchasing $200 or more worth of Medifast Meals. To receive the free month of Momentum, the coupon code MMF must be added to the order.

Here are the specifics:

- Promotion is open to all Inactive Clients.

- An Inactive Client is defined as someone who has not placed an order with Take Shape For Life in the last 60 days.

- Order $200 or more of Medifast Meals.

- Enter the coupon code MMF on the order.

- Receive a Free Momentum One Month Package (contains 63 Momentum Flavor Infusers and 21 Momentum Meals).

- May only be used once.

- Not valid with any other coupon code.

- Offer expires April 30, 2008.

We recently sent postcard mailers to of our Inactive Clients. Again, this promotion is only for Inactive Clients.

Click Here to Shop Now!

Do you know how to make the Lean & Green meals for you single meal each day? Everyone is given the Take Shape for Life Quick Start guide but many don’t know how to actually make a lean & green meal.

Now there are recipes in our Support in Motion on-line support tool. Here is how to see those recipes.

Click this link: www.GetYouHealth.com/SIM and click the Register link.

You will register for Support In Motion, an Interactive on-line support tool.

Once you register and log in, click the BeSlim tab at the top, then click the recipes link at the top. Then you will see a “Healthy Recipes” menu section.

Select the Lean & Green Recipes link and you will have several recipes in a list box to choose from. Select any recipe and it will tell you how to make those meals.

Here are 2 examples:

Chicken Teriyaki

Prep Time: 15 mins (+4 hours marinating time)
Cooking Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2, 6 oz. chicken breasts
1/2 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup broccoli

Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ginger

Method

Blend marinade. Butterfly chicken breasts and tenderize till the breasts are of even thickness. Marinade with spices at least 4 hours or overnight. Grill chicken and steam veggies until desired softness.

Nutrition Info.

Cal 360 | Fat 16g | Chol 100mg | Carb 10g | Pro 43g

====================================================

Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Prep Time: 15 mins (+ 3 hrs marinating time)
Cooking Time: 45-60 mins

Ingredients

4, 6oz.chicken breasts (or strips of chicken)
2 cloves garlic
4 tablespoons rosemary leaves, chopped
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, 1 inch thick slices
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 cups broccoli
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Combine the garlic, rosemary, black pepper and sea salt and mix with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Rub the outside of the chicken all over with the rosemary mixture. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours (or overnight).  Preheat oven to 350. Place the onion slices on the bottom of a small roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the onions. Pour the wine over the chicken and rub all over with 1/4 cup of the vinegar. Roast in oven for 45 minutes or until done. 

Steam broccoli and serve on the side.

Nutrition Info.

Cal 380 | Fat 17g | Chol 100mg | Carb 13g | Pro 41g

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Momentum by Medifast energizes both you and your Medifast Plan. Enjoying three Momentum products a day in any combination helps you burn calories more efficiently, so its easier to break through a weight loss plateau, and maintain your new, healthier weight.

Momentum by Medifast gives you.

• 100 mg of caffeine and 90 mg of potent green tea antioxidant EGCG in each serving to cut hunger and boost metabolism
• Two formulas:
• Momentum Meals
• Momentum Flavor Enhancers that you add to water
• Great flavors
• Portable packaging so you can take it anywhere.

How Does it Work?

Each Momentum by Medifast product contains 100 mg of Caffeine and 90 mg of EGCG. The combination of Caffeine and EGCG found in three (3) Momentum products has been clinically shown to have the maximum effect on inducing thermogenesis. Think of thermogenesis as the metabolism “turning up the heat” to burn extra calories.

Medifast Meals Offered in 3 Flavors:

Banana Crème Shake
Cappuccino
Chai Latte

Offered in 3 Flavors:

Offered in 3 Flavors:
Banana Crème Shake
Cappuccino
Chai Latte
Each box contains 7 Meals

Facts:

• Contains 100 mg of calorie burning Caffeine
• Contains 90 mg of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in Green Tea
• Enhances fat burning by boosting metabolism and decreasing appetite
• Specially designed to help break through a weight loss plateau and assist with weight maintenance

Clinically Proven:

A clinical study found that for 2 hours after consuming a Momentum product, energy expenditure was increased 24%.

Study participants burned an extra 60–100 calories per day (on average) after consuming three (3) Momentum products.

Momentum is not a replacement for exercise and is not just a weight loss product. The increase in calories burned by consuming three (3) Momentum products is equivalent to:

• Gardening for 15 minutes
• Running 3/4 mile in 10 minutes
• Walking 3.5 mph for 15 minutes

Use During Weight Loss Phase:

Momentum is a great tool for clients still in the Weight Loss phase. During this phase:

• Momentum can help the client over a weight loss plateau.
• Momentum can keep the client motivated and on the program longer.

Weight Maintenance Phase:

Momentum is ideal for clients in the Transition or Weight Maintenance phase. During these phases:

• Client has a higher calorie intake and may be less sensitive to caffeine.
• Caffeine is no longer restricted to three (3) servings, so clients can consume three (3) Momentum products plus additional caffeinated beverages.
• Momentum provides a boost to metabolism, which can promote successful long-term weight maintenance.

Recommended Usage:

Up to three (3) Momentum products may be used daily.

• Any three (3) Meals daily as part of the Maintenance Phase, 5 & 1 Plan or specialized plans (Diabetes, Seniors, etc.); OR
• Any three (3) Flavor Infusers with daily water intake; OR
• Mix and Match (2 Momentum Meals and 1 Flavor Infuser or 1 Momentum Meal and 2 Flavor Infusers) for a total of three (3) Momentum products daily.

I encourage you to  incorporate these great-tasting, calorie burning products into your healthy lifestyles.

How to Mix Flavor Infusers:

Each individually packaged Flavor Infuser should be mixed with 16 oz of water for the optimal taste experience. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a Flavor Infuser to 8 oz of water instead.
I encourage you to add Flavor Infusers to your Medifast Programs. Three (3) servings will flavor about 48 oz of water each day!

Please Note:

100 mg of caffeine is equivalent to 1 cup of coffee. Consult with
your physician before using this product. (This product may not be appropriate if you are sensitive to caffeine, advised by your doctor to limit caffeine, under the age of 18 or pregnant or nursing.)

Recommended usage: Up to three (3) Momentum products daily (any combination of Meals and/or Flavor Infusers.)

Consuming more than three (3) Momentum products daily will not have an additional effect on metabolism.

You or a friend or relative  can get a pre-packaged Medifast Momentum Weight Loss Variety Pack with meals packed with Momentum products. Or you can order Momentum products individually by Clicking Here

Many of the health benefits derived from soy foods are because of its isoflavones. Soy isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds isolated from soybeans.

Medifast products use a high quality soy protein isolate that is water washed (rather than alcohol washed) to keep these naturally-occurring isoflavones.

Many researchers believe that soy may decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, lower cholesterol and support good bone health.

Be adventurous and use tofu, Boca burgers, Morningstar Farm or Garden burgers for the “lean” portion of your Lean and Green meal; check out the Medifast Meatless Meal options list for portion size recommendations and enjoy!

Or, view our Medifast Lean Meal Options for your meal of the day.

How many so-called diets out there do you see on TV talk about getting our seniors out their healthy and more happy. The answer is NONE!

Medifast from Take Shape for Life allows not only empowers men and woman and teenagers the ability to slim down, lose weight and get healthy but now our seniors.

Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for people of all ages. As you get older, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight becomes crucial to your overall state of health.

Medifast for Seniors is the new Medifast Program specially designed for adults over age 70. The Medifast for Seniors Program is different from the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan that’s described in your Quick Start Guide. Please read the Medifast for Seniors Program Guide carefully; it provides all the information you need to get started.

The Medifast for Seniors Program is convenient and simple to follow, emphasizing portion-controlled eating at regular intervals throughout the day!

By following our Medifast seniors guide from Take Shape for Life all of our seniors can use the Medifast products to lose weight and live a rich and healthy life. Here is what is in the guide.

LEAN OPTIONS
GREEN OPTIONS
HEALTHY SNACKS
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
EXERCISE FOR SENIORS

THE MEDIFAST 5 & 2 & 2 PLAN

If you know a senior or have parents or relatives that need to get healthy pass the Medifast Seniors Guide onto them. They will thank you later for it.

Click Here to View and print the Medifast Seniors Guide.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both are managed with proper food choices, physical activity and (in some cases) oral medications or insulin injections. There is also a condition called pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is characterized by blood glucose levels which are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Changes in diet and level of physical activity can delay or even prevent pre-diabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes. Remember, the best medical treatment or plan is only as good as your ability to follow it.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It can occur at any age, even during childhood. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin; or the fat, muscle or liver cells do not use insulin properly. Being overweight significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, losing just five percent of your body weight can help control the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, improve health indicators (glucose, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure) and may reduce the need for medication. Medifast is an effective weight loss and weight maintenance tool for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes)?

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. It occurs when beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin, resulting in blood sugar levels that stay too high. Insulin must be administered daily (by injection or pump) to bring down blood sugar levels and the diet must be carefully planned. If there is too much insulin (or not enough glucose coming from the digested food), blood sugar levels will fall too low glycemia). For this reason, we do not recommend our weight-loss program for individuals with type 1 diabetes. However, Medifast products can be used for weight maintenance as a healthy alternative to regular foods, in conjunction with a daily meal plan.

The Medifast for Diabetes Program Manual is designed with special care to help guide individuals with diabetes on the Medifast Program. The Medifast for Diabetes Program is different from the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan that’s described in your Quick Start Guide. Please read the Medifast for Diabetes Program Manual carefully; it provides all the information you need to get started.

Take Shape For Life can help you achieve a healthy body. A healthy body begins with a healthy weight, and maintaining a healthy weight allows you to live life to the fullest. Successfully lose weight and improve your health with more than 60 Medifast Meals to choose from. The Medifast for Diabetes Program is convenient and simple to follow, emphasizing portion controlled eating at regular intervals throughout the day!

Medifast Is Clinically Proven

Medifast has been proven in multiple clinical studies and recommended by over 15,000 physicians.

Researchers from a major medical center conducted an 86-week diabetic weight loss study comparing the Medifast weight loss program to the standard American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet plan. Participants randomized to receive Medifast lost twice as much weight and were twice as compliant with the diet as participants following a standard diet based on the dietary guidelines of the ADA. Approximately 40% of the Medifast participants lost ≥5% of their initial weight compared with 12% of those on the standard ADA diet.

Additionally, 24% of Medifast users decreased or eliminated their diabetes medication compared to 0% on the standard ADA diet. Participants in the Medifast group achieved significantly lower levels of fasting glucose, insulin and HbA1c, lipids and blood pressure after losing weight.

This study affirms that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to stick with the Medifast Program, lose more weight and improve their health.

Medifast for Diabetes Program

Diabetes is a growing health concern, affecting about 21 million Americans.

Having diabetes means the body cannot properly use energy from food. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences. For many people, diabetes can be prevented or delayed by understanding its risk factors and making important lifestyle changes.

Along with participating in regular physical activity, following a healthy meal plan is one of the most important steps you should take to manage your type 2 diabetes.

Medifast has created a weight loss program and has formulated a special line of “diabetes friendly” nutritional products to help individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight safely and effectively. The Medifast for Diabetes Program provides fewer calories, carbohydrates and sugars than the standard American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet. This may affect dosage requirements of insulin and oral diabetes medications.

The Medifast For Diabetes Program

It is essential that you see your physician or diabetes specialist prior to beginning the Medifast for Diabetes Program to discuss monitoring your blood sugar, potassium and medication dosages. Because the Medifast for Diabetes Program is low calorie and low glycemic, you may have to adjust your diabetes medications prior to starting the program.

It is important to control blood sugars to help reduce health risks. Medifast recommends careful blood sugar monitoring (3–4 times daily) and lowering your oral agents as you start the program to avoid hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor about lowering the dose of your medication. If you are on multiple agents, talk to your doctor about removing one at a time until you know how you will respond to this improved dietary regimen. For individuals taking insulin, it is imperative that you talk to your doctor about reducing your insulin requirements when beginning this program.

Click Here to Read the Medifast for Diabetes Program Guide in full to find out how Medifast products from Take Shape Life can help you deal with this horrific illness.

While Take Shape For Life and Medifast recognize a potential benefit of alli during the Weight Maintenance phase, using alli during the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan or Transition phases of the program will probably provide little to no benefit as these phases are already low calorie and low fat.

In clinical studies, alli users lost about 1-2 pounds per week and reduced total body weight 6-10 percent. Take Shape For Life and Medifast clients lost 2-5 pounds per week and reduced total body weight 10-15 percent; subjects with type 2 diabetes lost twice as much weight as subjects who received an American Diabetes Association diet, and 36 percent were able to discontinue their blood sugar medications entirely.

What is Alli?

Alli is the latest weight loss product to hit the market. It’s an over-the-counter(OTC) weight loss drug that can help users can lose 50 percent more weight than dieting alone. Manufactured by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, alli is the only FDA-approved OTC weight loss drug available to consumers in the United States. A similar drug called Xenical hit the markets in 1999, but was (and still is) available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Both Xenical and alli contain the same active ingredient orlistat but prescription Xenical contains more orlistat than OTC alli. Orlistat belongs to a class of drugs called lipase inhibitors, which prevent the enzymes that break down fats from doing their job adequately.

When dietary fats are not broken down properly, they cannot be absorbed through the intestinal wall and are instead eliminated in bowel movements. Less fat being absorbed means fewer calories being consumed.

Consuming fewer calories will, in theory, result in weight loss. Alli blocks the absorption of dietary fat by about 25 percent and leads to a 5-10 percent weight loss over time.

Pound-for-Pound, How do Alli and Medifast Compare?

Both alli and Medifast have been scientifically tested in randomized controlled trials. Let’s see how they compare:

Alli

* With alli, expect a gradual, modest weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week.

* Long-term studies (1-2 years) show that participants who received orlistat at double the amount provided by alli experienced a loss of 6-10 percent of their total body weight, compared with those on placeboes who lost 5 percent.

In addition to weight loss, improvements in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as fasting insulin and blood sugar levels among diabetic subjects, have been shown.

* Alli, however, has not come onto the market without its controversy. GlaxoSmithKline lists some ‘treatment effects’ that can be very unpleasant or people using this weight loss aid. When people consume meals too high in fat (over 15 grams per meal), they may experience loose stools that are oily and hard to control. Other treatment effects include an urgent need to go to the bathroom and gas with an oily discharge.

Medifast

* With Medifast, the typical weight loss is 2-5 pounds per week.

* Patients typically reduce body weight by approximately 10-15 percent and achieve improved health outcomes.

* A randomized controlled trial found that subjects with Type 2 diabetes receiving the Medifast Plus for Diabetics modified meal replacement diet lost twice as much weight after 34 weeks, compared with the group randomized to receive an American Diabetes Association diet.

* Subjects in this study also had significant reductions in blood glucose and insulin levels compared to pre-treatment values; after 86 weeks, 36 percent of subjects in the Medifast group were able to discontinue their blood sugar medications entirely.

Given these results, there appears to be very little reason why anyone would choose to take alli over Medifast. These results should also give one pause when deciding whether there is any benefit of adding a fat-blocker to an already low fat diet plan, such as the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan.

Medifast and Take Shape For Life Recommendations For Alli:

For those who are wondering whether adding alli to their Medifast Program would be a good idea, Medifast and Take Shape For Life have the following general recommendations:

During 5 & 1 Plan & Transition Alli will probably provide little to no benefit beyond what the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan or Transition Program will provide most people in terms of weight loss.

Using alli during these phases of the program would be virtually pointless as they are already low calorie and low fat.

* The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan provides (on average) 15 grams of fat (or 135 calories from fat) per day. Alli blocks 25 percent of fat calories, allowing for a reduction of 34 calories.

* In addition to the minimal calorie savings on an already calorie-restricted, low fat program, the use of a fat blocking weight loss aid may cause a greater risk of deficiency of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

During Weight Maintenance

While not recommended during the Weight Loss or Transition phases, alli may be used as an adjunct during the Maintenance phase. During this final step of weight management, Take Shape For Life and Medifast clients are advised to follow a calorie-controlled, balanced, low fat meal plan for maintaining their weight.

Therefore, alli should not be needed as an ally. However, since additional calories and dietary fat are re-incorporated during this phase, it would be the best and most logical time to consider Alli as an additional tool.

* For the typical Take Shape For Life and Medifast client, the Weight Maintenance phase recommends (on average) 315 calories from fat per day. Alli blocks 25 percent of fat calories, allowing for a reduction of 79 calories.

Summary

Medifast has been clinically tested and proven to be a safe and effective means of weight control, and has been recommended by over 15,000 physicians nationwide and used by more than one million overweight customers.

While Take Shape For Life and Medifast recognize a potential benefit of alli as a tool during Weight Maintenance, one should think carefully about whether the potential benefits of this fat-blocker to an already low calorie, low fat diet plan are worth the expense and associated side effects.

If you are already reaping the benifits of the Medifast 5 & 1 plan from Take Shape for life, I salute you.

If you or a friend or family member need to lose weight and get healthy get a 1 month Medifast Starter Kit.