Product & Plan FAQs

Contraindications

What conditions would absolutely PROHIBIT my use of a low calorie diet such as Medifast?
  • Heart attack within previous 3 months (unless cleared by a cardiologist) or unstable cardiac conditions/stroke/min-stroke (TIA)
  • Active peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or bleeding ulcers
  • Active disease states (active cancers) or acute inflammatory states (acute hepatitis, lupus flare)
  • Severe chronic renal disease
  • Sever liver disease
  • Unstable mental disorders (psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression with suicidal tendencies)
  • Drug/alcohol abuse with poor nutritional status
  • Active eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Pregnancy (this is not the time to attempt to lose weight, as your body needs additional calories to have a healthy baby; Medifast Meals can be used as a healthy snack choice with your physician's approval)
What conditions could LIMIT my use of Medifast products?

Certain conditions may necessitate close supervision by your physician. Please check with your physician prior to starting the Medifast Program if any of the following conditions apply to you:

  • Age: children 13 to 18 years old: please refer to our Medifast for Teens Guide (PDF); senior over 65 years old: please refer to our Medifast for Seniors Guide (PDF)
  • AIDS (HIV)
  • Nursing mothers with a baby over two months of age: please refer to our Nursing Mothers Guide (PDF)
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Diuretics (?water pills?)
  • Lithium (your physician/psychiatrist will need to monitor your laboratory levels on a weekly basis for one month; beyond one month determined by your physician/psychiatrist)
  • Use of anticoagulant medication Coumadin® (warfarin): please refer to The Medifast Program and Anticoagulant Medications (PDF)
  • Seizure disorder: (your physician may wish to monitor your seizure medication levels while you're on the 5 & 1 Plan)
  • Gout: please refer to our Medifast for Gout Guide (PDF)
  • Stable mental disorders (psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression)
Can I use Medifast if I am currently using diuretics?
We recommend that you ask your physician if a low-calorie, reduced-carbohydrate meal plan (one that would induce a mild dietary ketosis/fat-burning state) is appropriate for you. Using diuretics while on the 5 & 1 Plan may result in an alteration of your sodium/potassium levels (due to increased urine output), so your physician may wish to monitor your electrolytes and/or adjust the dosage (or discontinue the use) of the diuretic while you are doing the Medifast Program.
Can I use Medifast if I am currently using medication to treat high blood pressure?
Individuals with hypertension can use Medifast under the direct supervision of a physician. Your physician may want to monitor your labs and medications, so be sure to consult with your physician before starting Medifast and as you continue to lose weight.
Can I use Medifast if I am currently using thyroid medication?
Individuals with hypothyroidism can use Medifast under the direct supervision of a physician. Your physician may want to monitor your labs and medications, and may suggest using a soy-free Medifast Meal around the time of day that you take thyroid medication. Within four to six weeks of starting the Medifast Program, you'll want to get your thyroid levels rechecked to help ensure that you are receiving a therapeutic level of medication. For information on soy-free products, please refer to our Allergen/Dietary Information (PDF).
Can I use Medifast if I have had gastric bypass surgery?
We have had many individuals use Medifast prior to and after having gastric bypass surgery. Your meal plan should be adjusted based on the type of surgery and when your surgery was completed. For those who are preparing to have or have recently had laproscopic adjustable banding, please refer to our Medifast for Bariatrics Guide (PDF). Medifast recommends (as with any weight-loss program) that you consult with your physician prior to and throughout the weight-loss process. Your physician may want to monitor your labs and medications, or can help determine a calorie level that's appropriate for you.