An analysis of data from Medifast, the parent company of direct selling organization OPTAVIA, from their clinical trial showed that those using the company’s Optimal Weight 5 & 1 plan preserved 98% of lean mass after 16 weeks on the program. These new findings support Medifast’s original goal of supporting metabolic health beyond simply driving weight loss.
“Metabolic dysfunction is more than just a health issue—it’s an invisible epidemic that impacts energy, mood, hormones, and long-term wellness,” said Dr. Holly Lofton, Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she serves as a practicing physician, and a member of Medifast’s Scientific Advisory Board. “When metabolic health is off, everything feels off. Today, many people are living with the daily consequences of metabolic dysfunction, often without even knowing it. It’s not just about the numbers on the scale; it can be about fatigue that keeps you from playing with your kids, weight that feels impossible to manage, or chronic conditions that chip away at your quality of life.”
This new study builds upon more than 30 research studies, 70+ peer-reviewed scientific abstract presentations and publications, and more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications that Medifast has already completed in its journey to advance its understanding of optimal metabolic health.
“As the metabolic health crisis has grown, we’ve gone deeper into both our own clinical trial data and the broader body of research,” said Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RDN, Medifast Vice President of Scientific & Clinical Affairs. “The evidence is clear: the 5 & 1 Plan doesn’t just promote healthy, quality weight loss. It unlocks a body that works better over time and improves key drivers of metabolic health.”
