our VISION & MISSION
Optimal Metabolic Health for All
Advancing metabolic health through rigorous research and credible, evidence-based education that drives informed action and lasting health transformation.
About Us
At the Medifast Metabolic Health Institute™, we are dedicated to elevating the importance of metabolic health as a cornerstone of well-being. With metabolic dysfunction reaching critical levels in the United States*, the risks of inaction have never been higher. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the science, education, tools, and support necessary to achieve and sustain optimal metabolic health.
We strive for scientific excellence, advancing the field through rigorous research and the delivery of credible, evidence-based education. As a digital hub maintained by Medifast’s Scientific & Clinical Affairs team, the Institute serves as a centralized resource for metabolic health research and general informational content. By translating science into actionable knowledge, we empower individuals to develop healthy habits that support optimal metabolic health. The Institute is not an accredited academic institution and does not award degrees or certifications.
Meet the Experts
The Institute is led by a multidisciplinary team of internal scientists, health professionals, and nutrition and wellness experts, and guided by Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen and our Scientific Advisory Board — a group of internationally recognized experts in medical care, education, nutrition, exercise and biobehavioral science, body composition, metabolism, and digital health. While our work is informed by these leading experts, the Institute does not provide medical diagnosis or clinical treatment. Together, we are defining the future of optimal metabolic health.
Scientific & clinical affairs
Experts in Research, Nutrition, and Behavior Change
Our Scientific & Clinical Affairs team — a multidisciplinary group of registered dietitians, scientists, and health educators — serves as the Institute’s engine for research, innovation, and education. The team translates and applies science in developing evidence-based programs, plans, and products.
This team leads the design and execution of gold-standard clinical trials, conducting primary and secondary research and the surveillance of emerging science. By collaborating with key academic institutions and researchers, they remain active in the scientific community — presenting and publishing research and developing credible, evidence-based education and training materials to advance the field of metabolic health.
Research & development
Where Scientific Discovery Meets Application
Our Research & Development team — a group of food scientists, product development experts, sensory scientists, and regulatory, food safety, and quality specialists — bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application. This team ensures our nutritional solutions not only provide an exceptional sensory experience but also deliver high-quality nutrition that meets rigorous safety and regulatory standards and aligns with the evidence-based nutrition guidelines set by our team of Registered Dietitians.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
Internationally Recognized Experts in Science and Health & Wellness
Medifast first formed their Scientific Advisory Board in 2008. It is comprised of internationally recognized experts, all of whom have made significant contributions in their respective field. The function of the Scientific Advisory Board is to provide objective insight and external expertise to help guide Medifast in making informed, evidence-based decisions on medical, nutritional and scientific matters. The Scientific Advisory Board serves as a part of our foundation to create scientifically valid, consumer-centric, high-quality innovations for lasting health.
Distinguished fellow, Medifast metabolic health institute
Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen
Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen (Dr. A) left his career as a critical care physician with a singular mission: to teach people how to prevent disease through an evidence-based behavior change system. A New York Times Bestselling Author and creator of Dr. A’s Habits of Health® Transformational System, his pioneering work in habit formation remains central to the Institute’s mission. His vision continues to inform our work in providing evidence-based education that empowers individuals to develop healthy habits that support optimal metabolic health.
*O’Hearn M et al. Trends and Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2018. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022; 80(2):138-151. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.046;
Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Arias E. Mortality in the United States, 2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 521. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2024. doi: 10.15620/cdc/170564.
