Before undertaking a meal replacement program, you should ask some simple but very important questions. Protect your health and your pocketbook by asking the following five questions:

1. Does the program work? The first question may seem obvious, but many do not even bother to ask. Does the program actually work? Your goal in being on any diet is weight loss. Stray away from programs that cannot prove how well they work or that do not provide any guidance or support. If a program does what it says, it should be able to provide success stories from some of its customers. If it can't you should start looking elsewhere.

2. Is there any professional supervision? Proper medical supervision should always be considered when undertaking a meal replacement program. As with any weight loss program, and especially a meal replacement program, medical evaluation and emotional support are crucial. If you are spending your time and money in a program, the program should in return offer professional guidance by qualified professionals.

3. What kind of ongoing maintenance support do you offer? Losing the weight is only the first step. It is the very beginning of a lifelong change in lifestyle and dietary habits. You will need support to stay on track once you've reached your goal weight. Choose programs that help keep you motivated and connected with follow up support, and offer options for intervention should you start to regain weight.

4. How much does the program cost? The key to this question is not that you should choose a "cheap" program, but rather that you should choose a program that gives you your money's worth. You might pay thousands of dollars for food, enrollment fees, and other hidden fees for a badly designed regimen with poor nutrition, and little training and support. Conversely, a program that costs less than a typical person's monthly grocery bill can be highly effective. Sign up for the best available program that fits within your budget.

5. Are there hidden fees, and can you get a refund? A true sign of confidence is a weight loss program that offers a money back guarantee. A program that is confident in what it can do will have no problems with offering to give you your money back if you are not completely satisfied with the results. Also, be careful of hidden fees, like additional consultation and supplement fees. Reputable weight loss programs will always be upfront with what it's going to cost you to participate.

When looking at all of these factors, Medifast stands out against every other meal replacement program. It is a proven and effective program and is backed by qualified professional medical support. They will help connect you with a physician that is familiar with the program. The cost of the program is affordable - it costs what on average a single person spends on a month's groceries. Any unused, unopened products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Coaching and assistance are offered online and in person at Medifast centers all over the country. Like others have already done, discover how Medifast can help you on your way to weight loss.