Optislim® FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

The Optislim® Weight Loss Program provides high quality protein to minimise loss of lean muscle mass whilst you are reducing your body fat and weight.

The Optislim® Weight Loss Program has three stages to assist you in reducing your weight and maintaining your weight loss.

Accelerated Weight Loss

The Accelerated Weight Loss phase uses Optislim VLCD products which are designed as a total meal replacement for use when recommended by a Healthcare Professional.

If you intend to replace 3 meals per day as part of the Accelerated Weight Loss Phase, you should be assessed by your Healthcare Professional for any evidence of pre-existing medical conditions. You should not replace all meals for a period of more than three without medical supervision.

What is a VLCD?

Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) are formulated, nutritionally complete, containing 3350 kJ (800 calories) or less per day. VLCDs also contain the recommended daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids and protein.

How do VLCDs work?

VLCDs provide an amount of energy which is significantly less than the amount your body requires each day. This forces your body to start using its own fat stores as the main source of energy and, in turn, you will start to lose weight.

How many meals can be replaced with the Optislim® VLCD Shakes, Bars or Soups?

All products can be used to replace 1, 2 or even all 3 meals each day. Click here to see how the Accelerated phase works.

Will the Optislim® VLCD Shakes, Bars or Soups interfere with any medications I may be taking?

The VLCD shakes, bars and soups are only a food, however, there are some medications that may need to limit certain vitamins and minerals to prevent them interfering with absorption (eg limiting iodine for thyroid medication). As you lose weight you may need to have medication dosage adjusted, especially for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

It is important that you see your Healthcare Professional regularly whilst following the Optislim® Weight Loss Program

Can people using insulin for type 1 or type 2 diabetes follow the program?

Yes, but only if your Healthcare Professional has first approved the program.

Can the Optislim® product range be used with another weight loss product?

It is not recommended that you use more than one weight loss product at a time.

Do I need to visit my GP while following the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

If you are using medication you should visit your Health Professional regularly for a checkup, as your weight loss may mean that they do not require as much medication. Your Health Professional may also check your heart, blood pressure and blood sugars levels as well as monitor any other medical conditions you may have.

Rapid Weight Loss

The Rapid Weight Loss phase uses Optislim LCD Life products. This phase is designed to replace up to 2 meals per day only and have a third meal and snacks. Total daily intake should not be less than 1000 calories.

How many meals a day do I replace with Optislim LCD Life?

Each day you replace 2 meals with the Optislim shakes or soups and have a third meal and snacks.

What sort of meals and snacks can I have?

Meals and snacks are made up of regular foods, including carbohydrate foods, to maintain good health. The Optislim HealthyOption Meals are a good option as they are fully nutritionally balanced and gluten free.

Will I get all the nutrients I need with the shakes & soup?

Each shake & soup contains 25 vitamins & minerals as well as protein that are essential for healthy weight loss.

How many flavours are there?

There are 9 flavours in the shakes; Royal Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cafe Latte, Banana, Strawberry, Honeycomb, Caramel, Choc Mint & Lemon Cheesecake. There are 2 varieties of soups; Tomato & Creamy Chicken.

Are the shakes and soups natural?

The Optislim LCD Life shakes & soups contain all natural flavours & colours.

How many calories are in the shakes & soups?

In each sachet there is between 201 and 206 calories.

How much carbohydrate is there?

There is an average of around 22g of carbohydrates per sachet. The body requires carbohydrate to function properly as it is our main fuel supply (just like petrol in a car). Carbohydrates play an important role in brain function. Studies have shown that approx. 125g of carbohydrates are required to allow the brain to function at an optimum level. Subsequently low calorie diets such as Optislim LCD Life are the preferred option over low carb diets by the medical fraternity. Around 50-60% of the energy from food should come from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates break down to sugar (glucose) in the body and should be eaten regularly throughout the day to keep energy levels up.

How much sugar is there?

There is approximately 20g of sugar in each shake and less in the soups. These sugars are made up of fructose (sugar from fruit), lactose (sugar from milk) and sucrose (added sugar). It is important to note that fructose and lactose are healthy sugars and that there is less than 1 teaspoon of sucrose in each sachet. The sugars are used to enhance flavour and assist with meeting carbohydrate targets.

How many vitamins & minerals are there?

There are 25 vitamins and minerals in each sachet which are essential to good health and well-being.

Do the shakes & soups contain Vitamin K?

There is no Vitamin K in the sachets. Vitamin K is found in leafy greens, cauliflower and liver and is produced by the body by bacteria in the intestine so a supplement is not required. Therefore if you are using warfarin (blood thinning) medication, you can use the sachets.

Which flavours are gluten free?

Only the Tomato soup variety is gluten-free.

Do they contain lactose?

There is a small amount of lactose in the sachets. The amount for each is approximately the same as 1/3 of the lactose found in 1 glass of milk which some people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate. Lactase drops or tablets eg. Milkaid which digest lactose can be purchased for people who have lactose intolerance.

Do they contain fibre?

The Optislim LCD Life shakes & soups do not contain fibre. To ensure that the digestive system remains healthy we recommend that you use the Optislim Fibre daily.

Do they contain caffeine?

The only shakes that contain caffeine are the Café Latte and Chocolate flavours. Café Latte shake contains 75mg of caffeine (same as a cup of instant coffee). Chocolate contains 0.5mg of caffeine.

Can they be made up with milk?

The shakes can be prepared with cow's milk or soy milk, but this will add extra calories and carbohydrates. If the shakes are prepared with low fat cow's milk or soy milk, the calorie content increases to approximately 270.

How many meals can be replaced with the Optislim LCD Life shakes & soups?

Only one or two meals a day can be replaced with the Optislim LCD Life shakes & soups. They are not formulated to replace all three meals.

Are they suitable for vegetarians?

The shakes are suitable for vegetarians only if they eat dairy, as the protein content in the shakes is from milk. There are no other animal products in the shakes. The Creamy Chicken soup contains chicken powder.

Will the Optislim® LCD Life Shakes or Soups interfere with any medications I may be taking?

The Optislim LCD Life shakes and soups are only a food, however, there are some medications that may need to limit certain vitamins and minerals to prevent them interfering with absorption (eg limiting iodine for thyroid medication). As you lose weight you may need to have medication dosage adjusted, especially for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

It is important that you see your Healthcare Professional regularly whilst following the Optislim® Weight Management Program.

Can people using insulin for type 1 or type 2 diabetes follow the program?

Yes, but only if your Healthcare Professional has first approved the program.

Can the Optislim® product range be used with another weight loss product?

It is not recommended that you use more than one weight loss product at a time.

Do I need to visit my GP while following the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

If you are using medication you should visit your Health Professional regularly for a check up, as your weight loss may mean that they do not require as much medication. Your Health Professional may also check your heart, blood pressure and blood sugars levels as well as monitor any other medical conditions you may have.

Optislim HealthyOption Meals

How many calories are in each meal?

They vary from 225 for the Chunky Beef and Potato Hotpot to 370 for the Lamb with Redcurrant and Rosemary.

Are they a VLCD or LCD?

They are neither a Very Low Calorie Diet or a Low Calorie Diet (or Meal Replacement). They are a HealthyOption Meal.

How are they to be used with the other Optislim products?

They can be eaten as a meal for lunch or dinner or both as they are fully nutritionally balanced. They can be used in conjunction with either the Optislim VLCD products or Optislim LCD products.

Are they gluten free?

Yes. All five varieties are gluten free.

Are any of the meals vegetarian?

No.

Do they contain preservatives?

Apart from minute traces of sulphites which are also found in many sauces stored in most pantries, there are absolutely no additives used to ensure longer shelf life.

Are they nutritionally balanced?

Yes.

How are they prepared?

They need to be microwaved for 3 minutes.

Can they be prepared in any other way?

Yes. The unopened pouch can be placed upright in boiling water with the contents below the water level. The pouch is to be left in boiling water on medium heat for 5-8 minutes. It should not remain in boiling water for any longer than 8 minutes or left unattended as it may burst.

What is the shelf life of the meals?

18 months.

How is it possible that the meals require no refrigeration?

All fresh unprocessed food contains good and bad bacteria as well as enzymes that cause chemical reactions within the food. During home cooking most, but not all of these are killed off which is why home cooked food will eventually spoil. Refrigeration will slow the growth of these surviving bugs because they grow slowly at low temperatures. The HealthyOption Meals are fully cooked in the pouch at such a high temperature and pressure that all microorganisms are killed. Essentially the meals are commercially sterilised. The high quality barrier pouch protects the food from outside bugs therefore no refrigeration is required.

How do the meals maintain their vitamin content if they are cooked at such high temperatures?

The meals do not retain all of their original vitamin content. As with normal home and restaurant cooking some heat sensitive vitamins are destroyed.

Are the meals suitable for pregnant women and children?

Only under the supervision of a health professional.

Optislim Fibre

Do I need to take a fibre supplement?

Yes. 1-3 doses of the Optislim Fibre Supplement is recommended each day to maintain a healthy digestive system.

• It can be used with the Optislim Shakes, Bars and Soups.
• The Optislim Fibre is necessary because the shakes and soups do not contain any fibre.
• It is recommended that customers use the Optislim Fibre at least once per day.
• It can be used up to 3 times per day if necessary.
• It is necessary for customers to drink 2 litres of water daily to ensure that the fibre is flushed through their system.
• If customers do not drink adequate amounts of water, waste products may not be eliminated from the body causing side effects like headache, dizziness, tiredness and constipation.
• To use with liquid stir 1 heaped teaspoon of Optislim Fibre into ½ cup (125ml) of water, juice or other hot or cold non carbonated beverage such as tea or coffee.
• 1 heaped teaspoon (4g) contains 3.4g of dietary fibre.
• For new users, start with 1 serve per day and gradually build up over several days to the required amount as your body adjusts to a higher fibre intake.

The Optislim Fibre can also be added to:

• Cooking and baking
• Directly to foods

Maximum dosage:

• 12 years – adult, do not exceed 20g per day
• 7-11 years, do not exceed 10g per day

Exercise

How much exercise should I do each day?

You should first check with your Health Professional to ensure that it is safe to exercise. If you have not exercised for a long time, or never, it is recommended that you start with a 5-10 minute walk and gradually build up to 30 minutes daily.

Can I do other exercise besides walking?

Yes, as long as your Health Professional says that it is OK as most other forms of exercise increase your heart rate more than walking. Swimming is gentle exercise and is a good alternative to walking for people who haven’t exercised in a long time or have sore joints.

Medications

Will the Optislim® Shakes, Bars or Soups interfere with any medications I may be taking?

The shakes, bars and soups are only a food, however, there are some medications that may need to limit certain vitamins and minerals to prevent them interfering with absorption (eg limiting iodine for thyroid medication).

As you lose weight you may need to have medication dosage adjusted, especially for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. It is important that you see your Healthcare Professional regularly whilst following the Optislim® Weight Management Program.

Can people using insulin for type 1 or type 2 diabetes follow the program?

Yes, but only if your Healthcare Professional has first approved the program.

Can the Optislim® product range be used with another weight loss product?

It is not recommended that you use more than one weight loss product at a time.

Do I need to visit my GP while following the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

If you are using medication you should visit your Health Professional regularly for a check up, as your weight loss may mean that they do not require as much medication. Your Health Professional may also check your heart, blood pressure and blood sugars levels as well as monitor any other medical conditions you may have.

Medical Monitoring

Do I need to visit my GP while following the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

If you are using medication you should visit your Health Professional regularly for a check up, as your weight loss may mean that they do not require as much medication. Your Health Professional may also check your heart, blood pressure and blood sugars levels as well as monitor any other medical conditions you may have.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Can pregnant women do the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

No. Pregnant women should not use the Optislim® Weight Loss Program because they should not be intentionally trying to lose weight as this could affect the growth and development of the baby.

Can breastfeeding women do the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

Breastfeeding women require extra nutrients to provide a good quality and quantity of breast milk. This can be affected if they lose large amounts of weight. Women should wait until they have finished breastfeeding before buying the product.

Children

Can children do the Optislim® Weight Loss Program?

Weight loss programs are not recommended for children under 18 unless supervised by a health professional. Children between 13 and 18 will only be accepted into the program if they have approval from their Healthcare Professional.

Multivitamins

Is a multivitamin necessary?

No. VLCD Shakes, Bars and Soups plus the nutritionally balanced HealthyOption Meals provide all the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals for adults.

Fluid Intake

Why do I need to drink 2 litres of fluid each day?

Everyone should drink at least 2 litres of fluid each day as the body is largely made up of water and requires this amount to function properly (unless your health professional has placed you on fluid restriction). At least 2 litres of fluid (on top of the amount used to make up the shakes) is required each day only if you are using the shakes to replace all your meals (ie. breakfast, lunch and dinner).

What happens if I do not drink adequate fluid?

Waste products may not be eliminated adequately. Accumulation of waste products in the body will make side effects more likely and will increase their severity (eg. headache, dizziness, tiredness).

What if I do not like water?

Water is best, so try adding a slice of orange, lemon or lime to water for flavour. Alternatively, low joule or diet soft drinks and cordials may be consumed as long as they do not contain caffeine. Soda water or diet tonic water can also be used in place of water. Note that they do contain small amounts of sodium.

Taste the Difference

The Optislim® Weight Loss Program is all about making it easy to lose weight and keep it off. Discover our delicious range of meal replacement shakes, soups, bars and HealthyOption Meals all designed to simplify the journey and get you back on track to your goal weight.

Flavour is at the heart of everything we create.

The Optislim® Weight Loss Program is best used under the supervision of a Healthcare Professional.