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A Clinical Study 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.
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!
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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