I signed up at a MediFast center in the Dallas area, but I live further south in TX and it was about a 5 and a half hour drive (with traffic) for a round trip up there, so I basically had one of the counselors review the program thoroughly with me, I took a few weeks' worth of food, then after that I called ahead and had them pack up the food needed to reach my goal weight, I picked it up, and I probably won't go back again, it's just too far.
Benefits of going to a center: you get blood tests included with your consultation, if you are unsure about what to eat or need advice or just a helping hand, they meet with you privately each time (but only for a few minutes after the first meeting, from what I saw). You also get a ketone test to see if you are in ketosis, and you have the opportunity to purchase your food and carry it out right there.
Drawbacks: You pay extra for the "benefit" of going to the center, some people are self-conscious about attending a weight loss center and being weighed, the ketone tests can be done at home with a cheap bottle of test strips available at drug stores, and most of the centers have limited hours.
So, if you REALLY need the support, like being around other people that are doing the diet, and are willing to pay more for that, then the centers may be helpful to you. I think it just depends on what works for the individual.
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