Is This Program Really Healthy For You?

I have just received word that two dear Optifast friends are transitioning off of the products due to serious medical issues. They live all the way across the country, so I cannot hold them and hug them tight; and then praise them mightily for ever so wisely putting their health first. I have said numerous times that doing the Optifast program without the supervision of a clinic, the clinic doctor, and in some cases outside specialists -- who can spot serious medical issues related to liquid diets -- is unwise. This is a rigid, highly restrictive diet, and in my opinion you are playing Russian Roulette with your body if you try to do Optifast on your own.

Lord knows I have had side effects from the products, some serious. My hair is thinning out. My nails are brittle. And most concerning, my sodium level has plummeted. (As you know, I have pickles now to stabilize it.) I take special medication to block the formation of gall stones. And emotionally, I am now frightened of food, gaining weight, and refuse to have a scale in my home because of a concern I will become horribly obsessed with it.

Now, the physical side effects will go away when I reach my goal and discontinue the products. My hair and nails will grow strong again, my sodium level will go back to normal, and I can discontinue the gall bladder medication. The emotional issues I am starting to tackle -- but that's with the assistance of the clinic. I doubt seriously I could overcome them on my own.

You should keep this "big picture" in mind if you are considering the Optifast program, or have just begun the program. If you start contending with serious medical issues, for goodness sake, reconsider whether losing weight through the Optifast products is the right way for you to go. There are other ways to lose weight -- highly successful plans to follow. The Optifast clinics themselves have weight loss plans that just revolve around food, not product. Then there is Weight Watchers to consider. Don't put yourself in harm's way just to be thin. It's just not worth it!

Some individuals may be able to breeze through the Optifast program with little or no side effects. And that's wonderful for them. But if you are like me, and countless others, this will not be the case. Take good care of yourself. And see your physician regularly! Make that priority number one. In some cases, your life may depend on it.