I'm starting Medifast today to lose weight over the next month before my cruise. I'm a little concerned how low cal it is-at what calorie point does the metabolism start slowing down??? I am 226 pounds and 1,000 calories seems like starvation...

I was also wondering about this... I just ordered a week's supply to try it out. From what I gather, you're supposed to do it with supervision and the foods are supposed to have all the nutrients you need for the day. I'd also like to hear more about this.

My input. With Medifast you must eat 6 times per day. Medifast has all nutrients needed (carbs, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals) Just eat 5 packets and a healthy Lean and Green meal. It is all figured out for you. The plan works great if you follow it properly. You'll be so surprised to see how you do in a month!

Keep in mind that there is usually a withdrawl period over the first three days. I believe its based on how well you eat before starting the program. If you over eat on carbs/junk food on a regular basis, you'll most likely feel a withdrawl from the carbs in the first few days. This is normal but NOT fun. Some people don't feel too bad which probably means they eat pretty sanely (regular meals with protein/carb in each meal)

Good luck!!

I didn't feel any withdrawal symptoms and I heavily relied on carbs before starting medifast. I believe it really depends on the person. And also, your metabolism will not slow down because of low calories because you are constantly eat, which actually speeds up your metabolism.

When doctors tell you about not eating enough calories, it is because they are worried you aren't getting all of the necessary nutrients in the day, but with medifast you get more than enough of it all.

I have the same question.

Thanks for the information! That makes sense.

The 5:1 plan doesn't require supervision because 1,000 cal/day is not a VLCD (very low calorie diet). There is a plan you can get from your doctor that is lower than that (I think it's just 6 meals, not sure) but you have to be closely monitored by a physician.

The plan was designed by physicians, and has had years of success. From what I have read, the key is keeping the carbs to 85-95/day which causes the body to go into ketosis which means it is burning fat for fuel. And as freakiel said, eating 6 times/day keeps the metabolism going.

I started back in January on Medifast at 314lbs. When I read that I would be eating 1,000 calories a day, I thought I might die.

I didn't die and it has been the easiest program I have ever been on. I've lost over 50lbs and I'm feeling great. I'm losing on average about 4lbs a week.

It gets much easier after the first few days. Now I have to remind myself to eat sometimes. I love it.