It has gained popularity over the years as a well-known commercial weight loss program. With the help of pre-packaged meals and coaching, it’s designed to help people lose weight. Optavia has not always been a positive experience. As I explain in this article, Optavia ruined my life for me personally, and I wanted to share my story.
Optavia’s Promise
I decided to try Optavia after hearing that it could help me lose weight. Additionally, weight loss and healthy lifestyle support were promised as part of the program. As far as my diet was concerned, prepackaged meals and coaching seemed appealing.
Getting Started
I did lose some weight during my first few weeks on Optavia. It was convenient to not have to prepare elaborate meals, and the structured meal plan helped me control my calorie intake. In addition to providing motivation and advice, the program stressed the importance of staying in touch with a coach.
What’s wrong with it?
I quickly noticed several Optavia program downsides, however:
Limitations: Food choices were limited, and prepackaged meals became monotonous. Foods that were enjoyable and nutritious seemed to be missing from my diet.
Strain on finances: Pre-packaged meals from Optavia quickly added up in price. As a result, I felt trapped by a program that was draining my finances.
Being socially isolated: It was difficult for Optavia users to participate in social gatherings or share meals with friends and family. Several social activities left me feeling isolated and excluded.
Fat loss overemphasis: Although weight loss was the primary goal of the program, it seemed to take precedence over everything else. In order to feel good about myself, I felt pressured to maintain certain weights.
Mental Health Negative Effects: I suffered from mental health issues because of focusing on food and weight all the time. Anxiety and depression set in as I became obsessed with every calorie.
Independence eroded: As a result of Optavia’s rigid structure, I felt unable to control my own diet. My preferences and needs were no longer determining my food choices.
Consequences on Health
My involvement with Optavia led to negative health consequences over time. Some of these included:
Deficits in nutrition: Nutritional deficiencies were caused by the limited variety of pre-packaged meals.
The Yo-Yo Diet: My yo-yo dieting and fluctuating weight led to a cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight fluctuations as a result of struggling to maintain the program’s strict requirements.
Metabolic sluggishness: Having a restrictive diet and no physical activity contributed to a slower metabolism, making it difficult to lose weight.
Shame and guilt: My emotional well-being and self-esteem were profoundly affected by the guilt I felt after straying from the program’s guidelines.
Eating Disorders: During the program, I began exhibiting binge eating and orthorexia symptoms.
Optavia: My decision to leave
I made the difficult decision to leave Optavia once I realized the toll it was taking on me. Time, money, and hope were invested in my decision, so it wasn’t an easy one. Although I wanted to lose weight, I knew that my mental and physical health came first.
Recovering and rebuilding
After leaving Optavia, I began the journey of recovery and rebuilding my life. During my time with the program, I encountered mental and emotional challenges that required professional assistance. Furthermore, I adopted a more sustainable and balanced way of eating and exercising.
The lessons learned
Optavia ruined my life, Although Optavia was challenging, I learned some valuable lessons from it:
A customized approach:
There is no such product as a one-size-fits-all program. Weight loss and health are best approached in a way that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Moderation and balance:
Dieting at extremes is rarely sustainable. Long-term success is more likely to result from a balanced and moderate approach to nutrition and exercise.
Positivity towards your body:
Having a positive body image and accepting oneself is important. Happiness and worth are not solely determined by weight.
Advice from a professional:
Healthy living can be achieved and maintained with the help of healthcare professionals, like dietitians and therapists.
Conclusion
Some individuals may find Optavia useful, but I wasn’t a good fit for it. I felt that Optavia negatively affected my mental and physical health due to its restrictive nature, financial burden, and negative impact on my finances. Reclaiming my life and well-being after leaving this program has been a crucial step in reclaiming my well-being. One’s physical and mental health should always take precedence over a diet or program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly cost of Optavia?
Optavia Diet Cost: How Much Does It Cost? In the 5&1 Plan, Optavia Fuelings cost just over $400 and in the 3&3 Plan, just over $300 for a month’s supply. Based on the chosen plan, Optavia-approved “fuelings” consist of three to five meals per day.
Optavia’s negatives: what are they?
The side effects of following very low calorie diets include gallstones, hormone imbalances, fatigue, diminished metabolism, and depression. There are a variety of Optavia plans that range from 800-1300 calories, which can be less than half of some adults’ basal energy requirements.
Optavia food: what makes it so special?
There are no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners in OPTAVIA Fuelings. As part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, Fuelings contain BC30TM probiotic cultures that support digestive health.
OPTAVIA causes people to lose weight, right?
The Optavia 5&1 program contains only 800–1,000 calories per day, which is quite low for individuals who consume 2,000 or more calories daily. Research has shown that rapid reductions in calories can lead to weight loss, but also to significant muscle loss.
How old must you be to use OPTAVIA?
If you are under 13 years old, you should not use the OPTAVIA program.
