The OPTIFAST® program was developed by the Novartis Medical Nutrition Corporation, for treating obese people (those who are overweight by 50 or more pounds, or having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30). The program is available at many hospitals and clinics in the U.S.A. and Canada.
The program provides lifestyle education, personalized support and portion control, which helps in maintaining a healthy new weight. The program uses the experience of physicians and registered dietitians with a high quality, calorie controlled liquid nutritional formula. The program is very successful.
The program consists of:
- An initial medical and lifestyle evaluation
- Guidance to develop the lifestyle and nutrition to manage your new weight
- Planned, regular physical activity
It is a 26-week plan, which contains 12 or more weeks of complete meal replacements, six weeks of transition to solid food, and up to 20 weeks of nutrition and behavioral counseling. The program needs medical supervision during the first 18 weeks and also weekly medical visits are required.
Conclusion
The program can have some uncomfortable side effects. An obese person not able to do exercise can also lose weight, due to the low calorie intake of the prescribed liquid "shakes".
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