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Nutrisystem versus Optavia: a close call. If you've been on the lookout for a commercial weight loss meal plan, you probably know that Optavia and Nutrisystem create pre-made meals delivered right to your door. These meals are tailored to your nutritional needs and aim to keep you on track in order to meet your goals. Both of these companies have their own benefits and some shortcomings, and we're going to break down each.
Nutrisystem
SPECS
- Best for: Those looking to lose weight with ready-to-heat, convenient meals.
Nutrisystem is a longstanding weight loss company that makes sign-up pretty easy—whether you’re new to dieting or not. After entering your height and weight, the system creates plan options based on your estimated calorie needs. From there, you can choose which plan is best for you. Nutrisystem offers a variety of plans ranging from Basic to Uniquely Yours Max +. The difference between the plans is based on menu variety, whether you'd prefer shelf-stable or frozen foods, or would like high-protein premium meals. They offer plans catering to women, men, people with diabetes, and vegetarians. When building your meal plan, you also have the option to choose add-ons, such as protein shakes to help curb hunger.
What We Like
- Convenient, pre-made, ready-to-heat meals
- Meals delivered directly to your door
- Chef inspired with an overall well-liked taste
What We Don't Like
- Because meals are pre-made, more ingredients are used, including artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- Eating pre-made, ready-to-heat meals for weight loss may inhibit people's ability to learn how to prepare healthy, balanced meals on their own, which might cause dependency on this diet if meal preparation habits haven't changed
Optavia
SPECS
- Best for: Those looking for quick weight loss that are willing to cook at least one meal each day.
Optavia is a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet that provides customers with pre-made small meals, or "Fuelings," meant to be eaten every two to three hours. They offer two weight loss programs and one maintenance program and depending on the plan you choose, you'll then make at least one "Lean and Green" meal yourself that day. The goal is for the individual to learn how to prepare healthy and balanced meals independently in a stepwise approach. When you first subscribe to the program, you'll be matched with a coach for one-on-one support in the program. They will help you choose the plan that will work best for you. Most of the coaches are previous Optavia clients, and many have had successful weight loss. It's important to note that they are not trained health professionals and are paid on commission.
What We Like
- Convenient snacks, shakes, and recipes
- Support from a peer
- Very little food preparation required
- Habit change and education about balanced meals is a focal point
What We Don't Like
- Recommended calorie level significantly lower than most healthcare professionals' recommendations
- Coaches are not trained health professionals and work on a commission basis
Nutrisystem vs. Optavia: Price
Nutrisystem
Price ranges from approximately $300 to $500+ per month based on the plan you choose and whether or not you purchase additional protein shakes. The most expensive, Uniquely Yours Max+, plan offers higher protein, chef-inspired meals.
Optavia
The monthly price is around $400 to $500 per month depending on how many Optavia Fuelings you eat in a day, and how many Lean and Green meals you make on your own.
Nutrisystem vs. Optavia: Food Options
Nutrisystem
The customer relies on Nutrisystem for most meals on a daily basis. The program provides a wide variety of meals to choose from, including frozen and shelf-stable meals, as well as chef-inspired options. Meals reflect traditional breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the day.
Optavia
Optavia provides many snacks and shakes, called Fuelings, which are intended to take the place of meals throughout the day. Fuelings are shelf-stable, small, and low in calories. They include bars, shakes, cereals, soups, mashed potatoes, and more.
Nutrisystem vs. Optavia: Support
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem provides support by way of trained weight-loss coaches, registered dietitians, and certified diabetes educators. Anyone who subscribes to the program has access to these support options.
Optavia
Optavia offers support through individually-assigned coaches who, in most cases, are previous Optavia customers.
Similarities Between Nutrisystem and Optavia
Nutrisystem and Optavia offer meals that are ready-to-eat or easily prepared. They both have a proven track record of successful weight loss. Both programs also provide some form of one on one support.
Differences Between Nutrisystem and Optavia
While Nutrisystem provides support through trained professionals, Optavia's support comes from coaches that aren't required to have professional nutritional training. In most cases, Nutrisystem provides all meals for the month, give or take a few. In contrast, Optavia provides most meals but requires the customer to make at least one Lean and Green meal to have at home.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming food products, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that rank high in nutritional value. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Disclaimer: Always make sure to consult with your doctor before starting a new diet. Any weight loss that totals more than 1 pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
FAQs About Nutrisystem vs. Optavia
Do nutritionists recommend Optavia?
It is pretty unlikely for registered dietitians or nutritionists to recommend Optavia due to its low-calorie diet. Diets low in calories can lead to rebound weight gain once off the program.
How much does Optavia cost per month?
Optavia costs approximately $400-$500 per month which is a little pricier than Nutrisystem.
Does Nutrisystem reduce belly fat?
Because many people lose weight on Nutrisystem, the weight loss itself will likely lead to reduced belly fat. Unfortunately, there is no way to spot reduce fat from any area in the body. Where we lose most of our weight is up to our genetics.
How much does Nutrisystem cost?
The price range is from approximately $300-$500 per month. There is the option to add protein shakes each month as well, which costs an additional $79.98 for a 28-day supply.
About the Author
Byree is a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. Bryee is fascinated by food science and biochemistry but also enjoys simple recipe creations as she loves breaking down evidence-based info into digestible guides.
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