Medi Weightloss programs are physician-supervised weight loss diets designed to help patients achieve and maintain healthy body weights. You'll receive an initial in-depth consultation during your first appointment, and medical staff will create an individualized weight management plan for you. The plan is a three-phase program consisting of an acute weight loss phase, a short-term weight maintenance phase, and a wellness (long-term weight maintenance) phase.
Medical Perks
The main difference between Medi Weightloss and other diet programs is the fact Medi clinics are medically supervised by licensed professionals. When you sign up, you'll receive nutrition and behavioral weight loss counseling, fitness recommendations, and preventative care services such as cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes screenings. You'll even receive an EKG and a blood panel to check for health factors that affect weight loss and overall health and will obtain body fat measurements.
What It Entails
The program has franchise clinics around the country with 103 locations in 25 states. Find one near you with the online clinic locator for an individualized plan that may include the following:
- Customized nutrition plan
- Exercise plan
- Supplements
- Vitamin injections
- FDA approved medications, if prescribed
Phase 1: Acute Weight Loss Phase
During Phase 1 of the plan, you'll get an individualized weight loss program and visit a Medi clinic weekly to track progress, check vitals, receive vitamin injections and/or prescription medications, and make changes to your program if need be. You'll also have access to the Medi signature patient website, which provides delicious, healthy recipes and your personal health statistics.
Phase 2: Short-Term Maintenance Phase
As you continue to shed pounds, you'll transition to Phase 2, which is a short-term weight maintenance phase. During this phase you'll learn how to boost calories while maintaining your body weight and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Phase 3: Wellness Phase
You'll enter Phase 3, the wellness phase, after you've reached your goal weight. You'll be trained by staff members to how keep lost weight off long term and maintain monthly accountability visits.
Food on the Program
You'll be eating real foods when following the Medi plan coupled with Medi signature supplements (or pre-packaged healthy Medi meals if you're not one for cooking). The program is based on medically sound healthy eating strategies such as appropriate healthy food choices and portion size control. Menu plans are individualized, so your diet plan (and calorie intake) will likely be different than the next person who signs up for the program.
Program Costs
No doubt about it, Medi weight loss clinic programs are pricey. You might pay $300 for your initial consultation, and $70 to $80 weekly after that. However, many clinic locations accept insurance because the program is physician supervised and evidence-based. Your insurance may cover office visits, the initial consultation, and preventative medical counseling, for example. Check with your insurance provider to see if you're eligible for reimbursement for all or parts of the plan. Many Medi clinic locations also accept payment from FSA and HAS accounts.
Specialized Medi Programs
In addition to the basic Medi weight loss plan, Medi clinics also offer menu plans specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes, teenagers, and corporate wellness. During your initial consultation, staff members can help you choose the programs that's the best fit for your needs.
Do Medi Plans Work?
Many patients say they've lost weight using Medi clinic programs. If you follow the reduced-calorie meal plan you're given and stick with program guidelines and regular check-ins, you'll more than likely start shedding pounds. The diet is individualized based on your unique calorie and nutritional needs, but the overall concept is to burn more calories than you consume by making healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
Pros and Cons
There are many pros (and potential cons) when choosing Medi clinics. If you're looking for a quick fix, this plan might not be for you. While your insurance may cover some of the costs associated with Medi plans, these plans are pricey, and you'll have to check in at a Medi clinic regularly, which takes commitment. On the upside, however, you'll be supervised by trained medical professionals, and the program has helped many customers lose weight and keep lost weight off.
Medi Clinic Reviews
Many reviews of Medi Clinics are positive. Satisfied customers claim they've lost weight and were happy with the program. Other reviews aren't as positive, stating the program is too expensive, and the information given was overwhelming. Your best bet is to check out reviews for the specific clinic you'll be attending to see what patients are saying about local Medi programs and staff members.
Trying Medi Clinics
Check to see if your insurance covers Medi's program before you begin unless the cost isn't an issue. Medi programs can be highly effective when followed correctly so they may be worth a shot if you've tried other diets without success. Weekly accountability check-ins and coaching support may be what it takes for some patients to stay on track.
