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OPTIFAST

Optifast Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

Program offers 12 weeks of meal replacement to help you lose weight.

Top Rated Diet Shakes of 2024
What is it?

Optifast is a meal replacement shake offering 100% of 24 vitamins and minerals. It’s claimed to be an easy to mix formula, and they also offer a ready to drink liquid shake.

Their powdered shake has a combination of dry milk and calcium caseinate that equals 14 grams of protein. They currently offer three flavors in Strawberry, Chocolate, and French Vanilla. These shakes are meant to be drunk alongside the other meal replacement foods offered by the company. On their own, they’re said to be a nutritionally healthy choice. So are these shakes truly effective for weight loss? What kinds of ingredients are added, and are they wholesome? This Optifast review will help you discover the truth about this meal replacement.  To discover which meal replacements made it to the top 10 list, click here.

Do You Know the Best Diet Shakes of 2024?

Optifast Ingredients and Side Effects

Nonfat Dry Milk

Fructose

Calcium Caseinate

Canola Oil (BHA/BHT)

Salt

Potassium Phosphate

Magnesium Oxide

Mono and Diglycerides

Choline Bitartrate

Potassium Chloride

Ascorbic Acid

Natural and Artificial Flavor

Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate

Ferrous Sulfate

Zinc Sulfate

Vitamin A Palminate

Niacinamide

Copper Gluconate

Calcium Pantothenate

Manganese Sulfate

Vitamin D3

Color (Beta Carotene, Turmeric Oleoresin)

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Thiamine Hydrochloride

Riboflavin

Chromium Chloride

Folic Acid

Biotin

Potassium Iodide

Sodium Molybdate

Sodium Selenite

Vitamin K1

Vitamin B12

 

 

Nonfat Dry Milk: Dehydrated milk that is added to foods due to its naturally long preservation. 

This ingredient is often imported in from difference countries. There’s controversy over its use, due to a 2024 scandal where 300,000 people were contaminated from this ingredient.

It was found to be contaminated with melamine, which is added to help increase the protein content. This could also lead to kidney stones and renal failure.

A recall began in China after several people had debilitating illnesses.

Fructose: Fruit sugar that is absorbed directly into the bloodstream when digested.

It’s considered one of the worst sweeteners that can cause metabolism disorders, as well as raise the risk for obesity. The University of California, Davis performed a clinical study showing:

“increased consumption of fructose may be detrimental in terms of body weight and adiposity and the metabolic indexes”

“shown to induce visceral obesity, insulin-resistant diabetes, and hyperlipidemia”

This means it can cause issues with raising blood sugar, and it can increase the risk for weight gain. These kinds of effects have also shown a rise in obesity related illnesses.

Fructose when it’s extracted from fruits has been shown in many other clinical studies to be harmful to overall health.

Calcium Caseinate: Protein taken from the casein found in milk. It’s a cheap protein source often added to increase the amount of protein in foods.

Though it can lead to a sense of fullness, this ingredient is cheap to make, and isn’t as potent in amino acids as other protein sources.

The manufactures also fail to list the total amino acid profile. So it’s impossible to determine whether it has enough amino acids to help the body’s performance. When replacing meals it’s important to determine how much amino acids are provided, instead of solely looking at the total protein content.

You can discover the best shake brands for weight loss by clicking here.

Canola Oil (BHA/BHT): Oils made from the processed seeds of rapeseed. BHA and BHT are preservatives added to help fats from going rancid. Live Science has mentioned there are possible side effects. They listed studies in which this ingredient lead to:

“cancer in rats, mice and hamsters”

In California this ingredient has also been listed as a carcinogen.

Artificial Flavor: Man made synthetic ingredient used to help make food taste a particular way. It’s often added to help substitute natural flavors that would be harder to keep fresh.

It can be extracted from many different common allergens including soy, wheat, and corn. Though it’s not required for the company to list how they sourced this ingredient from. This could potentially lead to unwanted side effects.

Optifast Quality of Ingredients

Optifast has a total of 18 grams of sugar that comes from fructose, which is considered one of the worst sweeteners available. Multiple studies have shown it to potentially raise the risk for obesity. 18 grams of sugar is a significant amount as well, this can make weight loss harder.

Also, there are preservatives that have shown to potentially be carcinogenic.  Both BHA and BHT have been found in some studies to have a damaging effect that leads to cancer.

There is a high amount of protein at 14 grams, but it comes from cheap sources such as nonfat dry milk and calcium caseinate. Both of these can be purchased for much cheaper, though they’re not the best protein sources. The company also fails to list the total amino acid score, so it’s impossible to determine if the protein provided is well rounded enough.

There’s far too much calories as well at 160 per serving. The combination of high sugar, calories, and no fiber make this a very poor meal replacement shake. It can all make weight gain easier, instead of helping support a weight loss diet plan.  For your convenience, the top 10 meal replacements are available here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven meal replacement such as 18Shake for better results.

The Price and Quality of Optifast

The company fails to mention how much these shakes cost. They only offer sales for people who visit their clinics, and then they try to recruit people into their centers.

It’s important to be able to know how fairly this is priced. Though due to the high amounts of sugar, low quality protein, no explanation as to the amino acid content, and the 0 grams of fiber, this shake isn’t a well-rounded enough meal replacement. It’s unlikely to help people with appetite suppression.

Web MD advises to find a meal replacement that offers the following:

“3-5 grams of fiber per serving”

Without this, you aren’t getting enough fiber to help promote healthy digestion and appetite suppression. Since you aren’t getting enough fiber from this shake, it does not qualify as a proper meal replacement. You’d have to supplement with additional fiber sources to make up for the lack of quality.

Before considering any shake, it’s important to know exactly how much it costs. Since this meal replacement has poor ingredients, it shouldn’t be priced too high.

Business of Optifast

The Nestlé Health Science company makes this brand. They can be found via the following customer support information:

Phone Number: (800) 662-2540

Address: 445 State Street

                   Fremont, Michigan 49412

They fail to mention whether or not they offer money back return. There’s also a problem with controversies.

The company has also had to recall their products in the past due to contaminations.

The New York Times added that

“The Food and Drug Administration … was investigating and working with Nestle to pinpoint the source of the latest E.coli contamination”

This outbreak ended up harming several people, who had to be hospitalized. It’s unknown how this problem was handled to ensure it wouldn’t contaminate any future batches of their foods.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results with meal replacement shakes diet our experts recommend to use it at least 5 months. Save your money buying a few bags of meal replacement product.

Customer Opinions of Optifast

There aren’t many reviews on the shakes themselves. Here are a few of the limited customer reviews online:

“found I was always hungry”

“first three days were awful”

“struggling a bit”

There was the common opinion that this meal replacement failed to suppress people’s appetite. For many, it was shown to cause extreme hunger and many continued to have constant thoughts about food.

The company also fails to provide any testimonials or studies to show why this shake would be a proper meal replacement. Without much information available, it’s unknown if this is priced fairly, or if customers found it useful for weight loss.

The few reviews have all been negative towards the overall quality of these shakes.  The highest ranking meal replacements are available in this top 10 list.

Conclusion - Does Optifast Work?

When considering a proper meal replacement, it’s important to make sure there’s enough fiber with low amounts of sugar. Optifast has too much sugar added that’s from a sweetener shown in studies to potentially cause weight gain. Better options are available that have no preservatives, high quality protein, and all natural ingredients. Its customers have also reviewed this shake poorly.

When searching for a proper meal replacement, it’s important that customers reviewed it highly, and that it has a well-rounded nutritional profile. There’s simply not enough support for this meal replacement to rank it as one of the best.

The very best shake out of 2024 that offers all the mentioned benefits is 18Shake. There’s 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and just 90 calories added to this all-natural formula. Customers mention it’s great for reducing appetite, and that people have lost significant amounts of weight. Best of all, it’s made only with natural ingredients, and no fillers of any kind.

This meal replacement has many customer testimonials showing just how effective it truly is. People rave about its easy mix formula, its ability to suppress appetite, and how effective it is for weight loss. They also mention that it tastes great, which is important when using a meal replacement so you don’t lose track of your diet.

18Shake is supported by a great 30-day money back guarantee, which you can learn more about by clicking here. So you can use this shake with the knowledge that there’s no risk in giving it a try.  

How Does OPTIFAST Compare?
  • Product Name
  • User Rating
  • Has Good Appetite Suppressant
  • Has Only Natural Components
  • Good Taste
  • OPTIFAST
  • 39 /100
  • .

> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 8 of 14, 277 total comments)

Rodney

+

I am ending week three on the Optifast diet. I weighed in at 347 on November 30and at the beginning start of week two December 14 I weighed 325 pounds. I am happy with the results and religiously adhere to the 4 shakes,1soup, and 64 oz of water. I also walk on my treadmill and ride my bike every day for at least 30 minutes. I also have the support of my wife, family, friends, and colleagues at work. I am writing today because this has been a tough day for me and itis the first time that I can say that I have been truly hungry and hungry all day. But I am fighting through this and keeping focused on my goal and taking it one second, one minute, one hour, and one day at a time. I've got 17 more weeks to go and I believe I will be successful in reaching my goal of losing 130 and keeping it off.

posted Dec 20th, 2009 9:28 pm

Ruben

So I forgot to update in early November. I am now in week 11 and have lost 47 lbs.

posted Dec 18th, 2009 5:48 pm

Jeri

I started Optifast 1/12/09. I was 201.2 pounds (I'm 5'3"). On 9/15/09 I was down to 120 pounds. I've been on maintenance ever since. I go to my maintenance classes religiously. I still buy enough product so that I can have a shake for breakfast and a shake for dinner (I prefer a protein shake before I work out in the evening). I eat one healthy meal a day and two or three healthy snacks. I work out for one hour six days a week on an elliptical trainer. It's been over two months and I have maintained my weight at 120 pounds. I'm not always perfect and sometime find myself slipping but I use all of the tools I was given. Keep at it. You can be as successful as I have been. I know it's only been two months, but I feel completely in control.

posted Dec 6th, 2009 11:27 am

AGP

I have started the OptiFast diet two months ago. For the first month I monitored my eating habits and met weekly with psychologist. During this phase, I lost about 22 lbs. I have started the second phase -- solely using the OptiFast products for 12 weeks. I have lost about the same amount of weight so far that I lost during the first phase (where I ate my own food). Thus, I have lost a total of 46 lbs.

I'd be remiss if I did not state that in addition to OptiFast, I am walking 10,000 steps a day AND working out for 1/2 each day (sometimes more). This is and important part of the program and the most difficult part.

I only struggled the first few days on OptiFast but find the OptiFast products to be really good (how can it not be good given that Nestle make them!). I use a combination of all of the products daily. I typically have two ready-to-drink shakes, one powder, one bar and one soup. I also drink water, coffee, tea and Coke Zero everyday.

The best part so far is that I went from wearing a 40 waist to a 32 in just two months! I originally set out to lose 60 lbs and I am nearly there. However, I have decided to recalibrate my goal and lose an additional 25 lbs.

If anyone has any questions or needs support -- please respond to my post.

Best,
AGP



posted Nov 18th, 2009 7:15 pm

Ruben

My name is Ruben and I am on week 5 of the Optifast Program. So far I lost 18 pounds. I did expect to lose more in this time but I realize I have not given this diet a chance to work 100%. I have stayed away from food but I would get a bag of popcorn every night I worked. I also put sugar and coffe mate in my coffee everyday. I decided to give my all to this diet to see what will happen. I will get my weigh in on Monday and will post the results.

posted Nov 5th, 2009 8:48 pm

laurie

+

I forgot to mention my first week weigh in I lost 11.5 lbs. Can't complain about that :0)

posted Sep 16th, 2009 7:04 am

laurie

Went for my second weigh in and lost 1 lb. Consultant said my yo yo dieting is coming back to haunt me,which makes sense. My body is waiting for the next binge. She said give it another week and I will start losing quickly....I agree. Im going to really focus on getting in a lot of excercise this week.

posted Sep 16th, 2009 7:03 am

Maribel

I started the program 11 days ago and I lost 11 pounds. I hope to complete the entire program. Good luck to all of us.

posted Sep 15th, 2009 5:15 pm

laurie

+

I went into the office for a consultation on Tuesday, August 20th and my dr appt, ekg and bloodwork was on Thursday, August 28th. I then had a follow up with the dr on September 1 and started on September 2. Today is my first weigh in and group meeting.

posted Sep 8th, 2009 6:15 am

laurie

+

I went into the office for a consultation on Tuesday, August 20th and my dr appt, ekg and bloodwork was on Thursday, August 28th. I then had a follow up with the dr on September 1 and started on September 2. It's been one week, I go in for my first weigh in and group meeting today.

posted Sep 8th, 2009 6:12 am


Kelly Agler Meador

How soon after your initial consultation do you have bloodwork done and when do you actually start the program. I have my consult on sept.14 and very anxious to get going. Is there anything i can do to help prepare?

posted Sep 4th, 2009 8:17 pm

laurie

+

I'm on day 1, had my first supplement...vanilla mixed with coffee, very good. I have 120 lbs to lose, I pray this works. The only thing left is surgery.

posted Sep 2nd, 2009 6:34 am

Jeri

Kaiser does not pay for the plan. You have to pay the full cost yourself.

posted Aug 25th, 2009 7:06 pm

Karen

Jerri, how did you get Kiser to pay for it all.

posted Aug 24th, 2009 11:34 am

Hope

+

I started optifast on August 14, 2009 and i have lost 7pounds! Of course, this was the first week and I broke down a few times in the middle of the night with twix bars, milky ways, pancakes, anything sweet. I will not do that next week and maybe more weight will come off.

posted Aug 23rd, 2009 10:55 pm

H GREENBERG

What is the SALT content of OPTIFAST??

posted Aug 12th, 2009 10:38 pm

Curious

Can anyone tell me what happens after you have lost the weight? Are you able to go back to eating regular meals? Are you able to eat regular food while on the diet? I am just asking because it would be impossible to drink shakes forever & just want to see how it is working for people coming off the diet. Thanks!!

posted Aug 11th, 2009 11:45 am

Tammy

I just started Optifast 3 days ago. I weigh 165 but would like to get to a normal weight of 125. These last few days have been so hard. I find I get hungry more in the evening and start craving (a normal dinner). I actually "cheated" already and ate a very small, low calorie dinner in substitute for a shake. I'm so glad to see that so many of you have lost so much weight. I'm hoping I can do the same. Thanks for the motivation.

posted Aug 2nd, 2009 9:59 pm

Jeri Simpson

Sarah, If you are exercising for 1 hour every day, drinking 64 oz. of water, and sticking to the Optifast religiously, you will lose the weight. Also, only weigh yourself at the end of each week--not everyday. The speed in which you lose the weight also has to do with how much weight you have to lose. I had to lose 86 pounds. The first 10 weeks I averaged a 3 pound loss each week. The last 10 weeks I averaged a 2 pound loss each week. I am in my 25th week and am still averaging about 2 lbs lost per week and I have 26 pounds to go.

posted Jul 5th, 2009 5:18 pm

Sarah

I have been on Optifast for 2 weeks now. During my 1200 calorie 'introductory' week prior to starting phase 1, I was able to lost 5 pounds on my own. I was disappointed that, even though I stuck to the diet, the 1st week on supplements, I only lost 1.8 pounds. I am nearing the end of the 2nd week on supplements and I have barely lost 1 pound.

I am doing EVERYTHING right. I just don't understand... I'm getting upset that I'm working so hard and not losing weight.

PLEASE HELP.
Thank you.

posted Jul 1st, 2009 2:05 pm


 

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QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement
  • Established: 1974
  • Founder: Novartis Medical Nutrition Corporation; now owned by Nestle HealthCare Nutrition
  • Stock Symbol: NSRGY
  • Headquarters: Florham Park, New Jersey
  • Accessibility: Online, weekly one-on-one counseling
  • Diet Type: Meal replacement, liquid
  • Gender: Male, female

Do You Know the Best Diet Shakes of 2024?

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

The OPTIFAST plan has been considered the ace of liquid-based diets since 1974. The meal replacement drinks and bars are recommended by physicians for patients weighing more than 50 pounds over their ideal weight or with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. OPTIFAST is recommended to help obese individuals prepare for gastric bypass surgery as well. All participants have full access to professionals like doctors, dietitians and counselors.

The OPTIFAST program follows strict guidelines to ensure the health and safety of patients with three key areas of concentration - medical, behavior and nutrition. Patients have an initial medical exam to make sure they meet the program criteria.

Progress is monitored during weekly one-on-one and group counseling, to help encourage healthy lifestyle changes.

PROPRO
  • People will lose weight on the introductory phase
  • Your weight loss is monitored by their experts
  • Proven results with clinical studies and over 1 million participants
  • Program gives support and counseling along with weight loss
  • Medical monitoring while on the program
  • Offers decrease in cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels
  • Great tasting meal replacement shakes
CONCON
  • Doubtful that most health care professionals would recommend being on a meal replacement plan for any extended period of time
  • Program consists of all liquid diet
  • May be cost prohibitive for some
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

To participate in Optifast, you must first complete a preliminary medical exam. You will be assessed to determine any risk factors and make sure you are a good fit for the program. After passing that exam, you are given a personalized weight loss plan that is based on your current weight and your goals. You are monitored throughout the entire process. Your meals will consist of the Optifast shakes and meal replacement bars.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

You get a customized activity plan for your fitness level and schedule.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Maybe the OPTIFAST meal replacement is nutritionally sound, but there are plenty of other programs that have you making sound choices with real food. This program is also very expensive. This combination can only lead to the conclusion that there are other choices that would come before OPTIFAST.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

optyfast, opti fast, optifast progarm

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