Medifast, the parent company of direct selling organization OPTAVIA, published “Healthy Habits Associated with Successful Weight Loss Maintenance on a Commercial Program: Learnings from a Research Survey” in the Food and Nutrition Sciences journal. Analyzing self-reported data from the OPTAVIA Community of Coaches and Clients, the study found that those who experienced long-term weight loss leveraged three factors unique to the OPTAVIA system: Support from an independent Coach and Community, aspects of the program’s Habits of Health Transformational System, and accountability derived from becoming a Coach.
“Our clinically proven plans and scientifically developed products are important components of the Coach and Client experience,” said Dan Chard, Medifast Chairman and CEO. “Within today’s ever-evolving health and wellness industry, we continue to prioritize research and development in order to deliver an effective solution that can help lead to Lifelong Transformation, One Healthy Habit at a Time.”
Of the OPTAVIA Coaches who self-reported successful long-term weight loss, 93% attributed their success to becoming a Coach, or helping others find health and wellbeing, as a strategy for their individual health journey.
“These self-reported findings suggest that successful strategies for long-term weight loss are consistent with OPTAVIA’s unique offer,” said Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RDN, Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Medifast. “We have a robust Community of more than two million people whose lives we’ve impacted through our comprehensive plans. Gathering insights from their experiences is key to continually evaluating and improving our offer, ultimately providing our independent Coaches with evidence-based tools to best support their Clients.”
