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

Name: Optifast Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Item: Optifast Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
Rating: 39
Author: admin

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

18Shake
(Editor’s Choice)
97/100

Yoli YES
92/100

Isagenix
83/100

Ideal Protein
71/100

Vega One
66/100

OPTIFAST
39 /100

User Reviews Archieved

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User Feedback

(Page 14 of 14, 277 total comments)

Anonymous

i did this years ago ... and I have gained it back... my doctor had me mix the vanilla shakes with diet drinks to get flavors... I used cola, root beer, and orange,,, I even bought cake flavorings from the bakery supply store, I just didn't want to get bored... actually, they didn't even have the bars and the soups when I did this....more choices.

Rebekah

Just wondering with the weight coming off so quick if any of you are having issues with the skin not going back? Have you or will you have a tummy tuck because of the skin elasticity?

sammy joe

wow. y'all crazy. you dont need diets or sugery. changin ya weight is mental and a complete lifestyle change. and when y'all lose the weight you keep living healthy. diets are dumb and can kill you!

Anonymous

Weight comes off very fast and comes right back on faster. I was so ready to eat and once I started I couldn't stop. Gained all back ++++. Cost was over $3500.

I have been on the diet for 16 weeks and have lost 70lbs. Its not as expensive through kaiser. I pay about $105 a week. Its a great program but you have to be willing to work out the reasons why you eat. For me, I had to work through my depression. Yes this diet is hard for the first 2 weeks but after you see the weight come off, it becomes so motivating that you don't want to get off track. I would recommend this diet to people who really want to change their life style.

Vicky

I just completed my sixth week of the Optifast program. I have lost 31.6 pounds. I was looking at having bareatric surgery. My doctor reccommended this diet as an alternative. I think the diet is worth the money and the effort, but it is hard sometimes to stick to the plan. You must be willing to put everything you have into it.

Anonymous

I had lost about 80 lbs on the optifast program, after seven months of being off of it, I had gained 23 back. I went back to optifast in order to get things back under control before I gained more weight. Today is my first full day back on it and I am very excited. I can't wait too finally see what I look like after I get the rest of this weight off. I needed surgery and my Dr. was scared to operate on me due to my origional weight (380lbs)...I was in Optifast the very same day. It is a really good program especially if you have A LOT of weight to lose and you are somebody who needs things to be in black and white like I do. As other people have said, it is very hard to get started, but once you do...hunger goes away and you feel very energized and motivated. This diet has been a blessing to me.

Anonymous

I am on my first day of Optifast in prep. for gastric banding surgery. The objective is to shrink the liver so that the surgery can be done laparoscopically. But, ugh, the taste of this stuff is disgusting. I have only had 2 of the 4 pkgs for the day and I don't know if I can bring myself to drink another before bed. It might be better to go to sleep hungry!

Marylou

I just finished my first week on Optifast, have lost 7 pounds, and am so motivated by that loss. The shakes taste fine if you mix the powder in a blender with ice and water, thendrnk with a straw. The Soups are a geat alternative, and I think I would eat the oats and honey bars even if not on a diet. Looking forward to retraining myself to eat healthy and exercise.

Char

Started this program 2 weeks ago and have lost 16 lbs... It is very tough but with the good motivation and people that have been helping me it has made it a little easier. The price is steep but it has only cost me 100.00 a week... Not sure where the 550.00 is coming from but it could be the initial visit with the doctor if you dont have insurance. Anyway... for those going to do this... make sure you surround yourself with positive people because without the support of my family and friends this is diet is not possible.

Char

Tina1

I am considering this diet as I have tried many many many diets and because the results didn't come as I wanted I gave up. I agree, this is a mental change, but not everyone has that will power to begin and we need some assistance to jump start our change. I also learned that weight is gained back not because the program failed but because what was taught in the program was not followed through on the persons part. Losing weight can be difficult, be it can be done and maintained. By the way, nothing is worth having if it is easy...

Chris

If anyone is thinking about using Optifast as a diet tool, let me tell them DO IT! But you have to be ready not ready to loose weight, but ready to become healthy to stay alive! This program is not an easy way out and if you are not ready to be healthy and will just go back to over eating, then this is not for you. Yes it is expensive but try and add up what you spend a week on all the food you are eating I bet it comes out to be more then what you would pay for the program.program.I Just went through the whole 18 weeks and I have lost 100lbs! My starting weight was 301 and now I am 201. The shakes and soups and bars are not gourmet foods by any means but you get used to them after time. You may be hungry the first week or so but after that you WILL NOT feel hungry. It is the best feeling to not have food control you. You will have lots of extra time because it takes no time to drink the shake or eat the bar, so pick up a hobby(maybe something active). You will stop thinking about food and almost wish you could stay on the shakes forever. The hardest part of the program is eating again, and yes it is hard to control, but they give you the tools to know how to always be working on a healthy lifestyle. I loved the doctors and classes that I went through every week and enjoyed having the support of others who were doing it the same time I was. This program has changed my life! You will not regret doing this program just always remember you do not want to die from being overweight, there are people who love you who want you around. My before and after picture is on the website for the doctor's offices i went through. www.cshp.net

sue

I love this diet because it worked so well. I lost 60 pounds and in one year have gained back 10. I was really motivated, so it was not hard to start. The best part of the diet is that I stopped craving food and then stopped thinking about it. It was soooo much easier than I thought. It really changed my life.

Niunia

I'm on the fourth day of this diet,for now I dont see any weight loss.For me the diet is too sweet but the shakes taste good.at the beginning I felt hungry all the time.I want to lose 20pounds so I hope it wont last too long.I wonder when I will start loosing.

Raymond

It's rare to find a diet that has this much medical influence. I hadn't heard of this and I'm thinking about doing the surgery. I'm going to ask my doctor about this. I wonder if the cost of the meals are covered under insurance?

Layne

Yikes! Sounds expensive. But I guess the bareatric surgery is expensive and if this helps then it might be a good idea. Anyone do this yet?

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QUICK 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?

BACKGROUND

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.

PRO

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

CON

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 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.

EXERCISE

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

CONCLUSION

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 Misspellings

optyfast, opti fast, optifast progarm