Medically reviewed by Dr. Ehtesham Ghani, Internal Medicine & Bariatric Medicine (ASBP). Last reviewed June 2026.
For decades, the OPTIFAST® medically supervised meal-replacement program has been a cornerstone of weight loss at ThinFast MD. If you were an OPTIFAST patient with us before, welcome back — the program you trusted is still here, now enhanced as OptitrimMD, our new and improved medically monitored program. We have helped Illinois patients lose weight under physician supervision since 1984, with locations in Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, and Rockford.
What is the OPTIFAST program?
OPTIFAST is a medically supervised meal-replacement program developed by Nestlé Health Science. Instead of guessing at portions, you replace some or all of your meals with nutritionally complete OPTIFAST products for a structured period, while a medical team monitors your health, adjusts your plan, and helps you transition back to everyday food. The combination of meal replacement, medical supervision, and lifestyle education is what sets it apart from do-it-yourself dieting.
Were you an OPTIFAST patient before? Welcome back.
Many of our long-time patients first lost weight on OPTIFAST years ago. If life got in the way and the weight returned, you are not starting from zero — you already know how the structure works. We will reassess your health, update your plan with everything we have learned since, and restart you on a program built for lasting results. Returning is simple: call (708) 485-4050 and we will get you scheduled.
What is OptitrimMD — the new and improved program?
OptitrimMD builds on the proven OPTIFAST foundation and adds the tools modern medicine now offers. It combines medically supervised meal replacement with a full medical work-up, behavioral coaching, and — when clinically appropriate and prescribed by your physician — today’s weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 therapy or appetite suppressants. The result is a more personalized, more flexible program than meal replacement alone. You can read more on our OptitrimMD program page.
How does the program work?
Your program begins with an in-person medical evaluation — history and physical, lab work, and a review of your metabolism and any conditions. From there, your physician designs a meal-replacement phase tailored to your needs, monitors your progress at regular visits, and guides you through a structured transition back to regular food, followed by a maintenance plan to help protect your results. Ongoing supervision is what helps keep the program both safe and effective.
Is medically supervised meal replacement effective and safe?
Published clinical data on structured, medically supervised meal-replacement programs show they can produce meaningful weight loss for people who complete them, used together with medical monitoring and lifestyle change. Because the program is supervised by a physician, your team can watch your labs, manage any medications, and adjust as needed. As with any weight-loss approach, individual results vary, and the program is recommended only when it is clinically appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is OPTIFAST still available at ThinFast MD?
Yes. Medically supervised meal replacement remains part of our care, now offered within our enhanced OptitrimMD program.
What is the difference between OPTIFAST and OptitrimMD?
OptitrimMD keeps the OPTIFAST meal-replacement foundation and adds a full medical work-up, behavioral coaching, and optional physician-prescribed weight-loss medication for a more personalized plan.
I did OPTIFAST years ago. Can I restart?
Absolutely. We will reassess your health and restart you on an updated plan. Call (708) 485-4050 to schedule.
How much weight can I lose?
Results depend on your starting point, the plan you follow, and how consistently you complete it. Your physician will set realistic goals with you at your visit. Individual results vary.
How much does the program cost?
Cost depends on your specific plan and any medications. We review pricing and any insurance options transparently at your consultation.
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Programs and medications are recommended only when clinically appropriate and used with medical supervision. Individual results vary. OPTIFAST is a registered trademark of its respective owner.
Find your nearest ThinFast MD clinic
We serve patients across the Chicago suburbs and Rockford. Choose your nearest location — Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, or Rockford — or call (708) 485-4050 to book. See all service areas.
