Optifast® program
Learn how to keep weight off for good so you can enjoy all of life’s sweet, simple moments. The Allina Health Weight Management - OPTIFAST® Program is a total meal replacement program that helps you lose weight quickly and safely. You work with an expert medical team to identify your health goals and make a customized weight loss plan.
OPTIFAST® is part of our medical weight management program, which offers medically supervised, non-surgical weight loss options. We help you take the focus off food so you can build healthy habits for life.
Please call 612-262-3600
for more information about OPTIFAST®.
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What it is
OPTIFAST® is a weight management program that includes meal replacement products, medical visits with a dedicated care team and ongoing education opportunities.
OPTIFAST® soups, protein bars and shakes support you in reaching your goals and achieving a healthy weight.
In this short video, dietitian Amy Pleimling explains the 
OPTIFAST® program. OPTIFAST® program video transcript
A patient's OPTIFAST® journey. Get a firsthand review from our patient, Paul, who recently completed his OPTIFAST® journey while recording his very own video journal throughout the weeks of his program. Watch his weekly vlogs for an inside look.
From start to finish, Paul’s OPTIFAST® Journey | Video transcript - From start to finish, Paul’s OPTIFAST® Journey
OPTIFAST® – Day 1 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 1
OPTIFAST® – Day 8 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 8
OPTIFAST® – Day 15 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day15
OPTIFAST® – Day 29 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 29
OPTIFAST® – Day 43 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 43
OPTIFAST® – Day 57 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 57
OPTIFAST® – Day 71 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 71
OPTIFAST® – Day 85 | Video Transcript-OPTIFAST® Day 85
Good for treating
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can help treat and reduce your risk of:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- sleep apnea
- arthritis
- heart disease
- high cholesterol
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- infertility
- headaches
- back and joint pain
Are you postponing knee, hip or other surgery because your doctor has recommended you lose weight before surgery? Talk with us to see if the OPTIFAST® program is right for you.
In this short video, dietitian Amy Pleimling explains the benefits of the OPTIFAST® program.
What to expect
You will meet with an OPTIFAST® provider to see if the program is right for you. You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher to enroll in the OPTIFAST® program.
When you come for your first visit, you will review your health history and goals with your OPTIFAST® provider. You will be able to share your motivation for losing weight and ask any questions you have about the program. Together you will design a weight loss plan that’s specific to your health needs and goals.
Your care team will be the same throughout the OPTIFAST® program so they can truly get to know you and help you reach your individual goals.
The program varies in length, depending on your individual health needs. It has three phases:
- Active weight loss (typically months 1-4): You will eat a diet of OPTIFAST® full meal replacement products
- Transition (typically months 4-6): Self-prepared foods are gradually added back in to your diet
- Maintenance (typically months 6-24): You continue to attend support sessions to help maintain weight loss long-term
You will purchase OPTIFAST® meal replacement products in the Allina Health clinic where you have your medical appointments. You are also strongly encourage to attend our free educational classes.
In this short video, dietitian Amy Pleimling explains how OPTIFAST® works.
How OPTIFAST® works video transcript
Also, watch the short video: How much weight can I expect to lose?
How much weight can I expect to lose? video transcript
Good to know
OPTIFAST® is a safe and effective meal replacement solution that includes shakes, protein bars and soups. The products are formulated to provide complete nutrition by providing all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs each day.
The cost is similar to or even less than what an average person spends on groceries and eating out in restaurants each week.
In this short video, dietitian Amy Pleimling explains the cost of the OPTIFAST® program.
Cost of the OPTIFAST® program video transcript
OPTIFAST® product order forms for Allina Health Weight Management - Mercy, Allina Health Vadnais Heights Clinic, Allina Health Woodbury Clinic and Allina Health Bloomington Clinic.
NOTE: You must be enrolled in the Allina Health Weight Management - OPTIFAST® Program to purchase OPTIFAST® products.
Watch the short videos:
- Will I be hungry on the OPTIFAST® program?
Will I be hungry on the OPTIFAST® program? video transcript - What if I have food allergies?
What if I have food allergies? video transcript - Is OPTIFAST® better than other weight loss programs?
Is OPTIFAST® better than other weight loss programs? video transcript - Importance of the weekly support classes
Importance of the weekly support classes video transcript - Allina Health helps you manage your weight for life.
Allina Health helps you manage your weight for life video transcript - OPTIFAST® overview
OPTIFAST® overview video transcript
Related links
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OPTIFAST® provider questionnaire
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Insurance and billing worksheet
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Health history form
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Patient education manual: Weight Management Medical Program
Source:
Reviewed by: Deborah Vanderhall, MHA, RN; Manager, Bariatrics & Weight Loss Operations and Clinical Programs
First published: 12/20/2018
Last reviewed: 12/19/2018