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Gender and Age Differences in the Effectiveness of the Medifast 4 & 2 & 1 Meal Replacement (MR) Plan for Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Retrospective Chart Review of 21 Medifast Weight Control Centers
Author(s) -
Coleman Chris,
Kiel Jessica,
Davis Kevin,
Mitola Andrea,
Arterburn Linda
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.lb230
Subject(s) - medicine , weight loss , overweight , meal , obesity , demography , zoology , biology , sociology
The 4 & 2 & 1 Plan is a calorie controlled meal plan (1000‐1200 kcals/day) rich in high quality protein and includes MRs and regular foods. Body weight (wt) and body composition (BC) were collected at multiple times through 24 wks; the primary endpoint was wt change at 12 wks. Subgroup analyses by gender and age (< and 蠅65 yrs) were performed. Random effect regression models were used to examine the effects of age and gender on wt loss through 12 wks, controlling for baseline wt and time. 310 charts (42.9% male, 28.4% 蠅65 yrs) were assessed. Adults following the 4 & 2 & 1 Plan lost on average 24.4 lbs at 12 wks and 35.7 lbs at 24 wks (p<0.0001). Both gender and age subgroups lost significant wt at all times (p<0.0001) with favorable changes in BC; fat mass (FM) loss exceeded lean mass (LM) loss by >3.5X after 12 wks in all subgroups. Loss of LM was similar (蠄5%) for all subgroups. Loss of FM was similar across age groups while males lost more FM than females. Controlling for baseline wt and time, male gender and age <65 yrs significantly predicted wt loss at 12 wks. Males and adults <65 yrs lost more than females and adults age 蠅65 yrs respectively: males lost 3 lbs more than females (p<0.0001) and adults <65 yrs lost 1.4 lbs more than those 蠅65 yrs (p<0.0001) over 12 wks. The Medifast 4 & 2 & 1 Plan was effective for wt loss in both genders and in adults of both age groups. Wt loss was slightly greater for males and adults <65 yrs. Regardless of gender or age, LM was preserved relative to FM, of importance given concerns over age‐related sarcopenia during wt loss. Medifast, Inc. supported this research.