Optavia is a diet program that offers meal replacements, including bars, shakes, snacks, and easy-to-prepare recipes, with the goal of promoting healthy habits for a healthy lifestyle. The program, founded in 2002 and owned by Medifast, gained attention on social media in 2018 when Cake Boss Buddy Valastro shared his weight loss success using Optavia. Optavia relies on meal replacements called “fuelings” to keep clients full and recommends consuming 800 to 1,100 calories a day, resulting in rapid weight loss at the start of the diet. The program also includes homemade meals of lean protein, nonstarchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
Optavia offers three meal plans with varying combinations of fuelings and homemade meals, along with personal coaching to support clients on their weight loss journey. The fuelings, which include bars, shakes, cereals, and soups, are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein, without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Lean-and-green meals, consisting of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, are prepared separately by clients. Pricing for the meal plans ranges from $378.25 to $423 for a 30-day supply of essential fuelings.
A review of Optavia’s meal replacements found the bars to be tasty, while other fuelings such as brownies, mashed potatoes, and snack sticks received mixed reviews in terms of flavor and texture. The shakes, with higher protein and fat content, offered a chocolate milk-like taste with various flavor options. A typical day on the Optavia diet includes six meals, with a mix of fuelings and lean-and-green meals. However, concerns have been raised about the use of highly processed foods in the program and the lack of long-term dietary education for clients.
Nutritionists caution that highly processed foods may not be as satiating or healthy as whole foods and may not provide adequate education on how to maintain weight loss beyond the program. While meal replacements can assist with weight loss and maintenance, incorporating whole foods and learning portion control is essential for sustainable results. Potential drawbacks of Optavia include the risk of triggering disordered eating or yo-yo dieting, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Consulting with a physician before starting any weight loss program is recommended to determine if Optavia is the right fit.
