Optifast is a very low calorie diet. It is designed for obese patients to lose significant amounts of weight in a relatively short amount of time. Physicians carefully screen clients prior to beginning the program, and they continue to monitor the client throughout the weight loss process. Education and counseling are provided weekly, if not more often. Even with close monitoring, however, the Optifast plan still has several risks.
Very Low Calorie Diets
Optifast is a very low calorie diet. On average, participants only consume 800 calories per day. This severe calorie restriction facilitates rapid weight loss. Since the vitamins and minerals required are calculated for healthy, average-weight adults, however, the nutrient needs of obese clients on this program may not be met completely.
Physical Effects
It takes time for the body to adjust to the severe caloric restriction of the Optifast diet. Nausea, fatigue and alternating diarrhea and constipation may be experienced. These issues resolve on their own after the first few weeks.
Risk of Gallstones
According to a study conducted by the Department of Medicine and Aging at the University of D'Annunzio Chieti in Italy, the risk of gallstones in dieters on very low fat, low calorie diets such as Optifast is very high. When no fat is consumed, the gallbladder becomes inactive, allowing stones to form. The researchers concluded that moderate fat intake is necessary to facilitate gallbladder emptying which prevents the formation of gallstones.
Risk of Quitting
Hunger, fatigue and the rigors of the Optifast program may be too much for some clients to handle. If weight loss does not manifest, or if the psychological care provided does not meet the needs of the client, they are at risk of dropping out of the program.
Minimizing the Risks
Clients need to be carefully counseled and educated prior to beginning the Optifast diet program. Clients need to be provided with schedules of office visits and counseling sessions to make time commitments easier to meet. Clear and easy to follow menu plans must also be devised for each dieter. When goals are defined and support is provided, Optifast dieters can minimize the risk of the program.
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