Optavia (Medifast) Review - Health & Wellness MLM | Trust Score & Ratings

Founded2017

HeadquartersBaltimore, Maryland

Trust Score88/100

About Optavia (Medifast)

Optavia (Medifast) is a health and wellness MLM founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

They offer a lineup of meal replacements called Fuelings, aimed at helping people manage their weight and improve overall health. Coaches earn through client sales, overrides, and bonuses, making it a unique network marketing model.

With a Trustpilot score of 3.5/5 and an A rating from the BBB, Optavia (Medifast) shows promise, but concerns about meal replacement diets and the coaching model persist.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

Established Parent Company
Optavia is under Medifast, a company with a solid reputation and a long history in the health and wellness space.
Supportive Community
Coaches often find a strong support network among other Independent Coaches, which can be motivating.
Flexible Schedule
As a coach, you can work on your own terms, setting your hours and managing your clients.
Simple Product Line
The focus on meal replacements (Fuelings) makes it straightforward for coaches to explain and sell.
Decent Commission Structure
Earning 15% on client orders and additional bonuses can be attractive for those who build a solid client base.

✗ Cons

Meal Replacement Concerns
Some nutritionists raise flags about meal replacement diets, saying they may not provide all necessary nutrients.
Coaching Model Questions
Critics argue that the coaching model can feel more like recruiting than genuine health coaching.
Income Potential Varies
Success heavily relies on your ability to recruit and maintain client relationships, which can be tough.
Mixed Reviews
With a 3.5/5 rating on Trustpilot, some people have negative experiences that can deter potential clients.
Upfront Costs
Starting as a coach may require purchasing products, which can be a financial hurdle for some.

Verdict: Optavia has some solid backing and a straightforward business model, but it comes with nutritional concerns and a challenging income structure. If you’re passionate about health coaching and the meal replacement market, it might be worth a look, but be cautious about the commitment involved.

Best for: This is ideal for someone who’s passionate about health and wellness and enjoys helping others. If you're looking for a quick way to make money without much effort, this might not be the best fit.

Risk Analysis

Optavia operates with a low risk profile overall, though there are some concerns regarding meal replacement calorie levels and the effectiveness of its coaching model. The company has a solid BBB rating and a decent Trustpilot score, indicating a generally positive reputation.

Key Concerns

Meal replacement calorie concerns moderate
Some health experts warn about the long-term sustainability of meal replacement diets and the potential for inadequate calorie intake.
Coaching model questions moderate
The effectiveness of the coaching model is debated, with some suggesting that success heavily relies on personal motivation and not just on the program itself.

Positive Indicators

A rating from BBB
Optavia has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a strong commitment to customer service.
Decent Trustpilot score
With a Trustpilot score of 3.5/5, many users report positive experiences with the product and coaching.

Consumer Advice: If you're considering joining Optavia, weigh the potential benefits of the structured support against the concerns about meal replacement diets. Make sure you understand the commitment required and see if it aligns with your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Optavia (Medifast)

Is Optavia (Medifast) a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, Optavia (Medifast) is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, it has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Trustpilot score of 3.5 out of 5. While there are some risks associated with meal replacements, the company operates legally.

What products does Optavia (Medifast) sell?

Optavia (Medifast) sells meal replacement products known as Fuelings. These include bars, shakes, soups, and snacks designed to help with weight loss and health management. The program emphasizes convenience and structured meal plans.

How much can you make with Optavia (Medifast)?

Earnings with Optavia (Medifast) can vary widely. Coaches earn a 15% commission on their clients' Fuelings orders, plus additional bonuses based on team sales and client acquisition. Some coaches report making a few hundred dollars a month, while others may earn more depending on their effort and client base.

Are there complaints about Optavia (Medifast)?

Yes, there are some complaints about Optavia (Medifast). Common issues include concerns over the meal replacement approach and questions about the coaching model. It's essential to weigh these complaints against the positive experiences many customers report.

What is the compensation plan for Optavia (Medifast)?

Optavia (Medifast) uses a unilevel compensation plan. Coaches earn commissions from their clients' orders and can also receive overrides based on their team's sales. The plan includes several bonuses, such as a 15% commission on personally coached clients and team commissions ranging from 2% to 7%.

How much does it cost to join Optavia (Medifast)?

Joining Optavia (Medifast) typically requires purchasing a starter kit and committing to a monthly order of Fuelings. The initial costs can vary but expect to spend around $200 or more to get started, which includes products and materials.

What is the BBB rating for Optavia (Medifast)?

Optavia (Medifast) holds an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. This indicates a good track record in addressing customer complaints and maintaining trust in their business practices.

Are there alternatives to Optavia (Medifast)?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Optavia (Medifast). Other meal replacement programs and weight loss MLMs include Herbalife and Isagenix. Each has its own products and compensation structures, so it’s worth exploring what fits your needs best.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

This is a unilevel plan. In simple terms, that means you earn money based on your direct sales and the sales of people you recruit into the business, but there’s no limit on how many people you can have on your first level.

How Earnings Work

Client Support Commission (15%): You make 15% on all the orders (called Fuelings) from the clients you personally coach.
Team Commission (2-7%): You earn a small percentage (between 2% and 7%) on the orders from clients of the people you’ve recruited. This goes seven levels deep, depending on your rank.
Front Line Bonus (3%): You get an extra 3% on orders from the clients of coaches you directly enrolled.
Client Acquisition Bonus ($100): You get a $100 bonus for every new client who starts an Optimal Weight program.
Coach Development Bonus: There are bonuses for helping new coaches get their first clients.
Leadership Pool: If you reach senior coach status, you can share in a monthly bonus pool with other senior coaches.

Qualification Requirements

You need to keep a personal Fuelings order, which costs about $250 to $400 each month.
You must have a minimum number of active clients to qualify for commissions.
To reach higher ranks, you’ll need a certain number of active coaches and client volume.