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MMHI VISION & MISSION
Optimal metabolic
health for all
Leading the advancement of metabolic health through rigorous research and credible, evidence-based education that drives informed action and lasting health transformation.
MMHI VISION & MISSION
Optimal metabolic
health for all
Leading the advancement of metabolic health through rigorous research and credible, evidence-based education that drives informed action and lasting health transformation.
About Us
Advancing
the Field of Metabolic Health
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 the Medifast® 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 Medifast Metabolic Health Institute is not an accredited academic institution and does not award degrees or certifications. The institute does not provide medical diagnosis or clinical treatment.
*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.
Meet the Experts
The work of the institute is guided by Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen and the Medifast Scientific Advisory Board — a group of internationally recognized experts in medical care, education, nutrition, exercise and biobehavioral science, body composition, metabolism, and digital health. The day-to-day work of the institute is led by a multidisciplinary team of internal scientists, health professionals, and nutrition and wellness experts. Together, we are defining the future of optimal metabolic 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 lower the risk of chronic diseases through an evidence-based behavior change system. An independent Trilivy™ coach, The 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. Dr. A’s vision continues to inform our work in providing evidence-based education that empowers individuals to develop healthy habits that support optimal metabolic health.
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.
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 — translates emerging science into evidence-based metabolic health system components, education, and training. Through gold-standard clinical trials, primary and secondary research, and collaboration with key academic institutions and researchers, the team advances the field of metabolic health through credible research and education.
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 and Scientific & Clinical Affairs team.