What is a scientific advisory board? Meet ours
Updated: Sep 16
When it comes to health and wellness, science is always evolving. New research can change what we understand about nutrition, exercise, metabolism, behavior, medical care, and the many factors that influence our health.
Keeping pace with the emerging body of research requires deep expertise, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to scientific discovery and advancements to support health and well-being. That’s where a scientific advisory board can play an important role.
Medifast’s (Trilivy’s parent company) Scientific Advisory Board brings together internationally recognized experts in science, medicine, nutrition, exercise, behavior modification, and health and wellness to provide objective, external expertise that helps guide evidence-based decisions and innovation. And their role goes beyond research and strategy — these experts also help translate complex science into insights and actionable tips that can make a difference in the real world.
What is a scientific advisory board?
A scientific advisory board is a group of independent experts who provide specialized knowledge and guidance to help an organization make informed decisions in areas related to science, medicine, health, nutrition, behavior, exercise, or technology.
Rather than working within the day-to-day operations of a company, advisory board members are external experts from academia, research institutes, and relevant industries who bring an external perspective informed by their experience, research, and expertise. They are selected based on a company’s business needs and priorities. Their role is to ask important questions, evaluate emerging evidence, and help ensure decisions are grounded in sound science.
For a health and wellness organization, this outside perspective can be especially valuable. Nutrition and metabolic health are complex fields, and new research continues to shape our understanding of how medicine, food, activity, behavior, and other lifestyle factors work together.
A scientific advisory board can help bridge the gap between emerging research and practical innovation — helping organizations understand what the science says, where the evidence is evolving, and how those insights can be applied responsibly.
Medifast’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Medifast (the parent company of Trilivy) first established its scientific advisory board in 2008. The board brings together internationally recognized experts who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
Our scientific advisory board works alongside our in-house scientists and scientific experts, bringing an independent, external perspective that complements the expertise within Medifast. Together, these teams evaluate emerging research, challenge assumptions, and provide informed, evidence-based perspectives on medical, nutritional, and scientific matters.
This collaboration is an important part of our foundation for developing scientifically valid, consumer-centric and high-quality innovations designed to support lasting health.
The Scientific and Clinical Affairs (SCA) function at Medifast (Trilivy) is responsible for conducting health and nutrition research to understand the benefits of our comprehensive metabolic health system. SCA also evaluates, translates, and applies scientific evidence to ensure we offer evidence-based programs, education, and training.
SCA is responsible for identifying key experts to collaborate with on research, education, and training, including developing and managing the Medifast scientific advisory board. The SCA function is also responsible for managing the Medifast Metabolic Health Institute™, helping advance research and education in metabolic health.
But what does that look like in practice?
It means bringing diverse perspectives to the table to examine the latest research, share specialized knowledge, and explore how emerging science can inform our approach to health and wellness.
Their expertise can help answer questions such as:
What does the latest research tell us about metabolic health?
How can emerging science inform nutrition and lifestyle strategies?
What should health and wellness professionals know about evolving research?
How can complex scientific concepts be translated into practical, understandable guidance?
By incorporating diverse scientific perspectives, our scientific advisory board helps us stay informed as the science evolves — while keeping the focus on what matters most: helping people make meaningful, sustainable changes that support their health.
From the science to the real world.
Science is most powerful when people can understand it and put it into practice.
That is one of the ways our science advisory board members contribute beyond their advisory role. Through corporate events, educational videos, interviews, and regular meetings with our Scientific and Clinical Affairs team, they help inform and educate our subject matter experts, internal employees, and coaches by translating complex scientific topics into clear, practical insights that can be used in conversations with clients.
Our Scientific and Clinical Affairs team also engages scientific advisory board members on an as-needed basis to get their perspectives on key scientific questions and emerging topics.
Whether they are discussing medical care, metabolic health, nutrition, physical activity, body composition, or lifestyle strategies, these experts help connect the dots between research and everyday action for our coaching community.
They also provide practical tips that coaches can take back to their clients — helping turn scientific concepts into conversations, strategies and small steps that can support long-term health.
Want to see our Scientific Advisory Board in action? Watch three of our Scientific Advisory Board members, alongside our Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs and the founder of our mission and Distinguished Fellow of MMHI, come together for a powerful panel discussion at our latest convention. Together, they explore emerging science, its real-world application, and what’s next in health and wellness.
Why it matters.
Health information is everywhere. But not all information is created equal.
Having access to external experts who can evaluate evidence, provide an objective perspective, and help translate emerging research into practical guidance is an important part of building trust in health and wellness.
Medifast’s Scientific Advisory Board helps provide that perspective.
By bringing together leading experts and connecting their knowledge to innovation, education, and real-world application, the board helps ensure that science remains at the center of the work — from the decisions made behind the scenes to the guidance that reaches coaches and clients.
Because better health starts with better information — and science can help light the way.
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