Optifast Review
What You Should Know
Optifast is a doctor-monitored program made famous by Oprah Winfrey when she publicly lost over 100 pounds on the program. The Optifast plan consists of meal replacements shakes, bars, powders and soups which were
developed, rather ironically, by the chocolate maker Nestle. Once clients undergo the program, they are all given a full evaluation from a physician that includes blood tests to rule out possible health risks. The staff at Optifast monitors the progress of each patient, and individuals are given a personalized activity plan to help their progress and to keep them moving forward. The plan also includes one-on-one counseling with a dietician, lifestyle coach or physician. All in all, Optifast is a very involved weight loss program,
List of Ingredients
The Optifast plan includes: ready to drink shakes, powders, soups, bars, HP shakes for bariatric patients, vitamin and mineral supplements, high protein drinks, Benefiber and Beneprotein powder.
Product Features
After a new Optifast patient is given the all clear from the physician, the patient begins what the creators of the program call the “active weight loss phase” The Optifast plan consists of meal replacements shakes, bars, powders and soups. During the active weight loss phase patients are only allowed to have the Optifast meal replacements, and this phase typically lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. After the initial phase, dieters gradually add self prepared foods back into their diets. Participants are then moved on to a maintenance phase where they are allowed to eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and low-fat meats. In this phase participants’ also learn how to add small amounts of their favorite foods back into their new, healthier lifestyle. The official website for Optifast does not list any pricing information and does not publish and scientific data associated with the program. According to the official website for Optifast, patients are given a calorie-based, portion controlled diet which is nutrition-complete and which is designed to take the guess work out of eating.
Advantages
- The Optifast plan is simple and takes the guess work out of dieting.
- Optifast has been used successfully by celebrities.
Disadvantages
- Optifast is basically a liquid diet which is difficult for many patients to adhere to.
- The official website does not contain pricing information.
- There is no scientific research published on the website.
Conclusion
The Optifast program may be a viable option for those who are morbidly obese and need constant monitoring by a physician. However, for the average person who only needs to drop 20 pounds, it may be an expensive alternative. The fact that the program is a liquid diet may make it extremely difficult to stay on. These types of faddish diets may offer short term weight loss, but in the long run the weight generally comes back (just ask Oprah.) Usually doctors frown on starvation type diets and they endorse programs that include sensible eating, exercise and a lot of perseverance and patience. While there are certainly herbal supplements out there that will aid with this style of dieting, this is what will ensure long term success.
