Getting Started

Designed to help you gradually establish healthy eating
habits while achieving your desired weight loss, the
OPTIFAST Program consists of four levels.

Show me the levels

Three levels for active weight loss.

One level for weight maintenance.

Each of the 3 active weight loss levels comprise of a number of OPTIFAST VLCD products, as well as low-starch vegetables. In 2 of the levels, low-calorie meals are also included. The OPTIFAST VLCD products contain all of the nutrients required for safe and effective weight loss, such as vitamins and minerals.

For fast weight loss, you can choose to replace 3 meals each day with OPTIFAST VLCD products. This is the 'Intensive Level' and is the ‘very low calorie diet’ component of the Program, which has been shown to be safe and effective.

For more gradual weight loss, you can choose to replace either 2 or 1 meals each day (Active 2 and Active 1 Levels).

Once you have achieved your weight loss goal, our Maintenance Level will help you maintain your desired weight.

The OPTIFAST VLCD Program can be modified to suit individual requirements.
* Meals should equal approximately 350 calories each.
† See ‘allowed low starch vegetables and fruit’ in the Additional Foods table.

Choose a program level that's right for you

With the OPTIFAST VLCD Program, there are three levels to choose from, depending on whether you want to replace 3, 2 or even 1 meals with OPTIFAST VLCD Products. This means you can tailor the program to your own personal weight loss objectives and lifestyle.

Intensive Level

In this level you will replace all 3 meals with OPTIFAST VLCD products. This level is designed for fast, effective weight loss.

Intensive Level

Active TWO

On this level you replace 2 meals a day with OPTIFAST VLCD products and include 1 healthy meal. This results in more gradual weight loss.

Active TWO

Active ONE

On this level you replace 1 meal a day with OPTIFAST VLCD products and include 2 healthy meals. This is ideal if you are seeking greater variety in your meals.

Active ONE

Maintenance Level

When you’ve achieved your weight loss goal, you’re ready to transition to the Maintenance Level, where you can enjoy 3 healthy, calorie-controlled meals per day.

Maintenance Level

Or if you want a more flexible plan to fit around your lifestyle:

Intermittent Fasting

Based on a 5:2-style, this level consists of 5 ‘regular’ diet days & 2 ‘fast’ days.

OPTIFAST VLCD products can be used on the two ‘fast’ days.

Intermittent Fasting

FAQs

The OPTIFAST VLCD Program is a very low calorie diet program, which consists of 4 levels. The Intensive Level is the very low calorie diet part of the program, which is a total diet replacement providing up to 800 calories. Following this is the Active 2 Level, Active 1 Level, and Maintenance Level, where food is gradually re-introduced and OPTIFAST VLCD products are reduced and then eliminated.

No. Only OPTIFAST VLCD Products are manufactured by Nestlé Health Science. While both brands offer VLCD products for weight loss, only OPTIFAST offers a clinically proven program to guide the use of its products.

The OPTIFAST Program has been shown to produce fast and effective weight loss, with research showing an average weight loss of 1.0-2.5kg per week on the Intensive Level, where all 3 meals are replaced with OPTIFAST VLCD products^1,2. Weight loss is expected to be more gradual when Active 2 and Active 1 Levels are followed. Individual results may vary.

Yes! There are over 80 global clinical papers demonstrating safe and effective weight loss while following the OPTIFAST Program.

Yes! OPTIFAST products taste good, they have an average rating of 4.8/5 on the Chemist Warehouse website.

Exercise will aid you in your weight loss journey and also helps with general health and wellbeing. We recommend you speak to your healthcare professional about an exercise program suitable for you. There are no mandatory exercise requirements on the OPTIFAST Program.

To begin the OPTIFAST VLCD Program, first you need to speak to your healthcare professional about whether the program is suitable for you. Then you can decide which level best meets your needs and lifestyle, purchase your foods and OPTIFAST products, download the OPTIFAST app & join our Facebook Private group for support and you are ready to go! No joining fees or contracts needed.

References:

Delbridge, E. & Proietto, J. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006;15(Suppl): 49-54.
Mustajoki, P. & Pekkarinen, T.,. Obesity Reviews, 2001;(2):61-72 (article can be accessed here)