The Optavia diet is a weight loss program that combines packaged foods, homemade meals, and personalized coaching to help people lose weight and fat by reducing calories and carbohydrates. The program offers low-calorie and reduced-carb meals, as well as support from a coach to help individuals reach their weight loss goals. Optavia provides portion-controlled meals and snacks, with the exact food options depending on the chosen plan. The diet is considered a high-protein diet, with protein making up 10-35% of daily calories.
The Optavia diet has been shown to result in short-term weight loss, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness. The program has been criticized for its limited food options and reliance on packaged, heavily processed meals and snacks. Some people may experience unpleasant side effects from the processed, powdered variety of protein used in the diet.
Despite its popularity, the Optavia diet has received mixed reviews from experts. U.S. News and World Report ranked it 28th out of 39 diets in terms of overall effectiveness for weight loss and healthiness. The programs emphasis on portion control and support from a coach may be beneficial for some individuals, but others may prefer a more flexible and sustainable approach to weight loss.