Network Marketing Company Directory

Optavia (Medifast)

Established
Founded1980
HeadquartersBaltimore, Maryland, USA
CategoryWeight-loss coaching & meal replacements
StatusActive · brand of publicly traded Medifast (NYSE: MED)

Products: "Fuelings" (meal replacements) and weight-loss coaching programmes.

Overview

Optavia is the direct-selling coaching arm of Medifast, a publicly traded weight-management company. Independent "coaches" sell meal-replacement "fuelings" and support clients on low-calorie plans.

History & controversies

Optavia/Medifast is a legal, listed company and has not been ruled an illegal pyramid. Criticism centres on its very-low-calorie diet approach and on coach recruitment, rather than on regulatory pyramid findings.

Our honest take

The structure is legal, but weigh two things: whether the diet approach is right and safe for the people you'd sell to (a health question worth a doctor's input), and the usual MLM income odds. Read our how-to-choose checklist.

What you can realistically earn

Most coaches earn modestly; a smaller group with large client bases earn more. Use the income calculator to model your realistic net.

Frequently asked questions

Is Optavia a pyramid scheme?

No. Optavia is the coaching brand of publicly traded Medifast and has not been ruled an illegal pyramid scheme. Criticism focuses on its low-calorie diet plans and recruitment, not on illegality.

Can you make money with Optavia?

Some coaches build a real income through steady client sales, but most earn modestly. As with any diet product, be honest and careful about the health claims you make.

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Informational only, based on publicly reported facts believed accurate at the time of writing. This is opinion, not legal or financial advice, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any company listed. Facts change — spotted an error? Contact us and we will correct it.