Weight Loss Outcomes of Optifast® Total vs Partial Meal Replacement Programs in a Community Clinic

Background The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the total Optifast program (OP), an evidence-based total meal replacement program, with a partial OP, for weight loss in a community-based setting. This is a study of real-world data primarily examining total weight loss, % weight loss, and change in BMI following 12-14 weeks of the total and partial OP. Methods Participants were selected from a community obesity clinic in Windsor, within November 2019 to June 2022. Participants were selected sequentially based on at least 12 weeks of adherence to the total OP (4 packets/day, with no meals, at least 80% of the time) or partial OP (1-3 packets/day, replacing one or more meals). Participants were examined for changes in BMI and % change in weight at a 12-14 week follow-up. Results A total of 73 participants made up the total (n=47; baseline weight = 270.6 ± 63.9 lbs) and partial (n=26; baseline weight = 254.1 ± 58.5 lbs) OP groups. Compared to baseline, absolute weight loss across 12 weeks was 37.4 ± 13.2 lbs (p<0.001) and 20.3 ± 10.7 lbs (p<0.001) in the total and partial OP groups, respectively. The % weight change at 12 weeks was significantly greater in the total (13.8 ± 3.6%) compared to the partial (8.2 ± 3.9%) OP group (p<0.001). Conclusion After 12-14 weeks, significant weight loss was achieved in both the total and partial OP groups, with the total OP showing significantly greater weight loss than the partial OP group.