The most common side effects include fatigue (tiredness), nausea (upset stomach), constipation and diarrhea. These side effects can be treated with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens to your body on Optifast?
When you are on the Optifast Meal Plan, it is normal to feel hungrier than usual for the first few days. However in time, your body will adjust to the new energy burning system. Your body will be satisfied with minimal amounts of foods as the ketone chemicals settle in your body.
Who should not use Optifast?
Precautions. The Intensive Level of the OPTIFAST VLCD Program is generally not advised for use in persons over the age of 65 years. Older people (aged > 70 years) have increased protein requirements due to an elevated anabolic resistance to ingested protein8.
Is Optifast a good way to lose weight?
Optifast states the Intensive Level aims to help people achieve a large initial weight loss whilst preserving lean body mass. It’s also designed to induce mild ketosis (a metabolic state in which your body uses fat and ketones instead of glucose (sugar) as its main fuel source) to assist with weight loss.
Does Optifast cause liver damage?
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that a 6 week diet with Optifast VLCD results in significant related reductions in liver size and liver fat content. This suggests that the reduction in liver volume is due to loss of fat.
Can I eat eggs on Optifast?
This should consist of a balanced meal of protein (eg. 65-100g meat or chicken, 130g fish, 2 eggs or 150g tofu), carbohydrates (1 cup cooked pasta, 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 medium potato or corn cob, or 1-2 slices of bread), and half a plate of low starch vegetables or salad.
Can you exercise on Optifast?
Including light exercise in your OPTIFAST plan can be highly beneficial. Not only is it good for both body and mind, and it’s a great stress reliever. Regular physical activity or exercise helps enhance your weight loss diet, as well as keeping your body healthy.
Can you have a cheat day on Optifast?
If however you find yourself continually cheating your meal plan with little control speak to an Accredited Practising Dietitian to see if you are on the right plan. You may in fact need an extra OPTIFAST VLCD product each day or an extra serve of protein. Or you may need to move to a different level of the program.
Can you eat fruit on Optifast?
Fruit is not recommended during the Intensive Level of the OPTIFAST VLCD Program. Fruit is naturally high in sugar and in order for the body to start burning fat via ketosis it is best to avoid fruit as this can deter the ketosis process and compromise weight loss.
How much weight can I lose on Optifast in 4 weeks?
Research using Very low calorie diets (also known as VLEDs or Very Low Energy Diets) have shown on average, weekly weight losses of approximately 1.0-2.5kg per week4, providing greater initial weight loss than other forms of calorie restriction.
How many Optifast shakes a day?
How do I take Optifast? Make sure you have 4 Optifast packets each day. Do not drink less than 4 Optifast a day as this can result in muscle loss and poor healing after surgery. Mix 1 packet with at least 300 ml (1¼ cups) of cold water.
Is Optifast safe for over 65?
Age >65 years
The OPTIFAST VLCD Program Intensive level is not recommended for use in persons over the age of 65 years, as metabolic and physiologic adaptations to intensive diets are decreased.
How can I lose 5kg in 2 weeks?
Do physical activities like walking, jogging, sprinting or swimming for 150-250 minutes per week to prevent weight gain. Try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to maximise calorie and fat burn. Eat more soluble fibre and less refined or processed foods. Limit daily snacking.
Can I eat meat on Optifast?
Are Optifast meal replacements vegetarian? Yes, most meal replacements are vegetarian. If you are a vegetarian, you won’t be encouraged to eat meat during your weight loss plan. If you eat meat, you won’t have to give up meat, but we will encourage adding more fruits and vegetables to your long-term diet.
How quickly does Optifast work?
During the Intensive Level of the OPTIFAST Program, weight loss averages 1.0 to 2.5kg/week with an average total loss of 20kg after 12 to 16 weeks1, 2, 3. It is common to see a larger amount of weight loss in the first week of the Program.
Does Optifast cause gas?
The bloating/increased flatulence is usually transient and resolves quickly so it is recommended to keep progressing with the program. Alternatively if your patient is lactose or fructose intolerant, the OPTIFAST VLCD products may cause bloating as they contain both lactose and fructose.
Does Optifast lower blood pressure?
Weight loss with Optifast can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood glucose levels, blood pressure and waist size.
How long do you stay on the intensive phase of Optifast?
Intensive Phase
Designed for rapid, initial, effective weight loss, this ketosis-inducing phase can last up to 12 weeks. If, after 12 weeks, you still have significant weight to lose, follow the Transition Phase for a minimum of 2 weeks before repeating the Intensive Phase.
