Optifast is an all-liquid and quick weight loss diet that is intended for a short period of use primarily by people who are very obese, meaning people who can loose at least 50 pounds and are experiencing complications because of their weight. This diet must be completed under the close supervision of a trained physician because of the extremity of the diet and the possible health risks. The diet is made up of four phases: screening, active weight loss, transition and maintenance. The screening phase is essentially to make sure the person is healthy enough to withstand the diet. The second phase, active weight loss, is four to six weeks of the person on a liquid-only diet that includes Optifast products like nutrition bars. In the third phase, transition, the person is slowly reintroduced to solid foods with fats and carbohydrates. The maintenance phase starts when the person is able to make healthy eating choices from all of the food groups and use exercise as a way to maintain their weight.
Lack of Minerals
Because the Optifast diet only allows about 800 calories a day, it only contains the amount of vitamins and minerals recommended for healthy living. But because the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals are for someone who is healthy, this may not be sufficient enough for someone who is obese. This can cause many unforeseen complications, especially for someone who is severely obese.
Increased Risk of Gallstones
Gallstone formation happens at a more increased rate in people who have a very low caloric intake, and more so in women than men especially when losing weight very quickly.
Risk of Overdose
When a person is on the Optifast diet and taking prescribed medication for another ailment or condition, they may find themselves in danger of overdosing. This is because some medication strengths are determined by a person's weight. If a person loses a large amount of weight while on the Optifast diet, their medication may become too strong.
Short-Term Side Effects
Nausea, fatigue, constipation and diarrhea are all additional side effects of this low-calorie diet. These effects are usually short-term and disappear once the body grows accustomed to the amount of calories provided.
Financial Risks
Because the Optifast diet is managed through a clinic and requires medical supervision, the cost of the diet can be very expensive. This can prove to be a financial risk, especially since most people will find it very hard to endure up to six weeks of a liquid diet with only Optifast products as solid food.
