OPTIFAST® Weight Loss Program

Low-Calorie, Full Meal Replacement with Comprehensive Medical Supervision

For More Information 800-235-3853

Duke weight management specialists offer the OPTIFAST® meal replacement plan as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised program to help you lose weight. While results differ for everyone, studies show that people who use OPTIFAST® may:

  • lose about 10% of their body weight.
  • experience lower blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. 

By participating in our three-month program, you will also benefit from our expert medical guidance.

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What You Need to Know About OPTIFAST®

What Is OPTIFAST®?  

 OPTIFAST® is a meal replacement program offered through the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center with medical, nutritional, and lifestyle support. 

Our expert-guided meal planning takes place in a 12- or 24-week program. You'll receive:

  • A variety of shakes, soups, and bars to replace your meals and snacks.
  • 800 to 1000 calories per day, and the recommended nutrients to stay healthy while losing weight. 

Eligible Candidates for OPTIFAST®

You may be eligible if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above. We also work with people whose BMI is slightly lower and have conditions such as prediabetes, diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, or liver disease. A comprehensive medical evaluation will determine your eligibility.

Contact us to learn more or talk to your primary care provider, who can refer you to our team for an evaluation.

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

OPTIFAST® is not recommended for:

Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center

Read about our amenities and get directions to our clinic.

Estimated Cost of the OPTIFAST® Program

How much does Optifast cost?
The total cost depends on the length of your program and how many meal replacement products you consume. 

A sign-up fee covers educational videos and participation in support groups. This non-refundable fee is due upon enrollment and is not covered by insurance. 

You will purchase the meal replacement products on a biweekly basis at the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center in Durham. The price per product is about $3 to $5 and is not covered by insurance. 

Will Insurance Pay for Optifast?
Your health insurance plan may cover your provider visits. You will be responsible for insurance copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. Check with your insurance plan to see if you can use your flexible spending account for program costs.  

Estimated OPTIFAST® Costs at a Glance

Program Length Sign-Up Fee

Average Weekly Cost of Meal Replacement Products

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses
12 weeks (partial or full) $250 Partial: $82 to $102
Full: $138 to $181
$1,400 to $2,000 plus copays, deductibles, etc.*
24 weeks (partial or full) $500 Partial: $82 to $102
Full: $138 to $181
$2,800 to $4,000 plus copays, deductibles, etc.*

*All provider visits are billed to your insurance.

Duke employees receive $50 off the 12-week sign-up fee and $100 off the 24-week sign-up fee.

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Program Specifics

Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Your initial comprehensive evaluation will include a physical exam and blood tests. Results help us personalize your OPTIFAST® program. 

OPTIFAST® Meal Replacement Products

During the program, your daily diet will be a combination of low-calorie, high protein, pre-portioned shakes, soups, and bars. Each includes 25 different vitamins to ensure you get the daily nutrients you need. You’ll start by consuming 5 to 6 products a day and taper to 3 products a day over the course of the program as you add nutritious choices, like baked or grilled proteins, vegetables, and other healthy options.

Weekly Check-Ins

You’ll participate in weekly one-on-one, in-person or virtual visits with a medical provider and a registered dietitian. During these sessions, you can talk about what to eat and when, what’s working, any challenges, lifestyle changes, and how we can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Support Groups

A member of our team hosts twice-monthly virtual gatherings during which you can talk with other OPTIFAST® participants about medical needs, nutrition, behavioral changes, and fitness. 

Access to Educational Videos

During the program, you can watch on-demand learning modules that cover nutrition, medicine, adopting new lifestyle behaviors, and exercise.

Exercise During the Program

Your providers can help you plan an exercise routine. 

Exercising regularly at a high intensity and frequency is not recommended during the first few weeks of the program as your body adjusts to your new diet. Temporarily changing your exercise routine will help us better monitor changes to your body and how you’re feeling. 

If you aren’t exercising regularly when you start the program, we help you plan a routine once you’ve acclimated your body to meal replacement. We help you include cardio, strength, and balance training in your routine.

Transitioning to Regular Meals

Around week 10 for our 12-week option and week 18 for the 24-week option, you’ll receive resources and expert guidance to help you transition back to regular meals. After you complete the program, you can continue counseling with our medical, nutrition, or behavioral health providers to help with long-term weight management.

Sign Up for More Information

Sign up to receive more information about the services and programs at the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center.

This page was medically reviewed on 07/08/2022 by