Looking into the cost of the popular Optifast medical weight loss program? Learn how pricing compares to Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig and other commercial diet options.
If you want to lose a significant amount of weight, medical programs and commercial dieting services can provide much-needed structure, meal plans and support.
The cost of optifast program is one higher-end research-backed option. But how affordable is Optifast compared to popular alternatives like Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig and more? Let’s break down the costs in detail.
What is Optifast and How Does it Work?
First, a quick overview of the Optifast system:
- It consists of ready-to-mix shakes and bars that fully replace your normal foods in the initial phase.
- The liquid diet allows for significant calorie deficits to spur immediate weight loss.
- On average, patients shed 50 pounds in the first three months.^1
- After transitioning off the liquid diet to solid foods, pre-made entrees are incorporated to sustain progress.
- The program includes weekly counseling to cultivate long-term behavior changes.
In addition to rapid results and medical supervision, more notable Optifast features are:
- Advanced weight loss protocols for high BMIs
- Prescription appetite suppressants for hunger control
- Enhanced long-term maintenance guidance after initial phase
Additional Key Details on Optifast Program
Optifast Compared to Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is a prominent commercial diet system. So how do costs stack up against Optifast?
| Program Feature | Nutrisystem | Optifast |
| Food Included | Pre-made frozen meals and snacks | Primarily shakes, bars, pouches in initial phase |
| Average Monthly Price | $300-$450 | $400-$500 |
| Typical Weight Loss | 5-10 pounds per month | 15-20 pounds per month |
| Consultations | Optional online coaching | Weekly in-person or online |
| Prescriptions Included | No | Yes, possibly |
| Explicit Medical Oversight | No | Yes |
- As shown above, Optifast is the pricier option on an ongoing basis.
- However, total lifespan may be shorter due to more rapid results.
- Optifast also appeals more to those wanting or needing stricter medical monitoring.
How Optifast Compares to Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig is another well-known commercial program, like Nutrisystem. Here is how it stacks up against Optifast.
| Program Aspect | Jenny Craig | Optifast |
| Primary Diet Approach | Pre-made meals plus grocery foods | Liquid-based, transition to solids |
| Avg. Cost, 6 Months | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Avg. Weight Loss, 6 Months | 20 pounds | 50+ pounds |
| In-Person Meetings | Weekly, optional | Weekly, required |
| Rx Meds Included | No | Sometimes |
- Looking only at upfront pricing, Jenny Craig offers more budget-friendly options compared to Optifast over a 6-month timeframe.
- However, total results with Optifast should significantly outweigh Jenny Craig, making cost per pound lost lower in the long-run.
- Optifast also provides much closer provider involvement, required for medical weight loss.
How Optifast Compares to Personal Training
Working one-on-one with a personal trainer for weight loss is another option instead of Optifast.
- Hourly rates for personal trainers range widely from $30 to $150 per session depending on qualifications.
- To receive guidance similar to Optifast, you would need 4-8 hours weekly with a trainer.
- At $50 per hour, monthly costs would total $800 to $1,600 just on personal training.
- This dwarfs Optifast’s pricing, making it appear far more budget-friendly against 1:1 training.
However, a hybrid option would be joining Optifast while concurrently working with a online weight loss coach for exercise accountability and motivation. This could provide benefits of both programs.
Optifast Cost Considerations
Optifast costs more than commercial diet systems but offers medical-grade protocols designed specifically for significant weight loss. However, a few factors to keep in mind are:
- Health insurance may cover some or all costs if you qualify based on BMI or related comorbidities. This includes Medicare for those 65+.
- Total length of the program can be as short as 12 weeks if properly utilizing the structured meal phases.
- Look for any Optifast coupons or discounted program packages to lower out-of-pocket fees.
- Compared to the long-term medical costs associated with obesity, Optifast offers strong value.
Discuss all these components with clinics in your area to negotiate the best pricing package based on your health needs and finances.
Key Takeaways
While Optifast costs exceed commercial weight loss programs, you receive higher-touch medical oversight plus optimized nutrition plans practically guaranteed to give results much faster.
Weigh costs versus comparative rate of progress against your specific weight goals to determine if Optifast fits your budget.
Enrolling with medical prerequisites like diabetes or under doctor recommendation may also make services more affordable depending on insurance coverage.
