I’ve lost over 40 pounds on Medifast and I am often asked this question. I think because both diet plans have the word “fast” in the name, many people assume that they are similar.
However, in researching Medifast and in finding information for this article, I know that there are some people who chose to consume nothing but the Medifast liquids for a few weeks and then transition to the solids, hoping for quicker or more dramatic weight loss.
The main difference that I can see between the two diet plans is that Optifast requires doctor’s supervision at a special clinic. You must go in weekly for a weigh in and consultation. Medifast, although doctor supervised, researched and backed, (with studies from Studies conducted by researchers from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health), is widely available on the internet without doctor intervention. Of course, no one would argue that medical advice can’t hurt in any situation. Although my doctor is hugely impressed with my progress, he doesn’t monitor my choices.
Medifast does offer a bit more variety. Optifast offers three flavors of shakes and some soups. Medifast offers shakes as well (with a bit more choices) but also has lattes, cappuccinos, teas, fruit drinks, and a wider variety of soup choices. I can vouch that all of these items are pretty decent tasting, especially if you use sugar free syrups in the shakes and drinks for variety. (Adding shaved ice to the fruit drinks makes a pretty mean snow cone.)
Medifast is also cheaper as far as I can tell. The pricing I found for Optifast indicated a cost of $110 per week. My cost for Medifast is about $8-$10 per day, which is at least $100 per month cheaper.
I should disclose that although I am currently on Medifast, I am not on a liquid only diet. I do currently include the solids on the five plus one plan (oatmeals, chili, eggs, puddings, bars, etc.) I find that these extremely low calorie, high protein options work very effectively for me. I’m down to a size eight and have gained 2 inches in height.
I have had a huge amount of success on the five plus one plan and can recommend it to anyone, but I hope this article has helped show some of the differences between Optifast and Medifast.
