1. Terry White Group Training
March 2016
Please play the sideshow for full effect
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.
Information for healthcare professional use only

2. Learning Objectives
Understand what a VLCD is and its benefits to consumers
Features of a VLCD and Meal Replacements
Understand role of ketosis
What is the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program
How can the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program help consumers
Be able to confidently recommend the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ range
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.

3. Obesity has close associations with:
Obesity in Australia
63% of Australian adults are overweight or obese
Males: 70.3% Females 55.7%
Obesity has close associations with:
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012

4. Features of Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD) and Meal Replacements
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program
Meal Replacements
Nutritionally complete program – contains all macro and micronutrients for essential body function
Differences in macro and micronutrient contents depending on brand
Effective, rapid weight loss
Rate of weight loss varies according to product used
Can replace 3 meals in a day during the Intensive Level
Can replace 1 or 2 meals only in a day
Clinically proven to effectively manage obesity
On average, weight loss of 1 – 2.5 kg per week can be achieved in the Intensive Phase
Assists in managing blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes
Designed to induce a mild form of ketosis
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.

5. Intensive Level- What makes a VLCD different?
3 x OPTIFAST® products per day which provide all macro and micronutrients for optimal health during the weight loss journey
This phase induces ketosis
It is recommended to follow this level for up to 12 weeks
Benefits of this level include:
Most rapid weight loss / Immediate reward
Provides a complete break from food/meal planning
Gives time to plan strategies for future food habits
Very clear rules to follow
Provides opportunity for education and to explore eating behaviours

6. What is KETOSIS? Carbohydrate restriction Before ketosis Benefits
Metabolic reaction that occurs in the body when carbohydrates are restricted e.g. via intake of a Very Low Calorie Diet
Body shifts from using primarily carbohydrates to fat as an energy source
Carbohydrate restriction
Patient will most likely feel hungry which usually lasts for three days*
Before ketosis
Glycogen or carbohydrate stores are depleted which will result in the body utilising its own fat stores for energy, resulting in fat loss (weight reduction)
Ketones generated will curb hunger in most people
Benefits
*If symptoms continue, advise patient to speak to a healthcare professional

7. OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program Levels
The OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program includes four different levels

8. Intensive Level
The first level of the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program is the very low energy level of the program (i.e. a maximum of 800 calories, all meals replaced with OPTIFAST® products)
It consists of: 3 OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products + at least 2 litres of low calorie fluid + a minimum of 2 cups low starch vegetables + 1tsp oil

9. Intensive Level – Too hard?
The clear rules can make this level of the program easy to follow
Consumers will take approximately 3 days to adjust to the new satiety levels- compliance can be improved if this is understood
Refer to the OPTIFAST® Website for a variety of delicious vegetable recipes

10. Intensive Level – Extra examples of helpful tips
If still feeling hungry, some consumers may need > 3 OPTIFAST® products a day, or an extra protein source (portion determined by Healthcare provider)
Suggest to eat vegetables or salad with family, and have the shake or dessert after the social meal
To help maintain satiety: Split bar into 2: ½ at Morning Tea, salad at lunch, ½ at Afternoon Tea
No restriction on quantity of vegetables: can help control hunger levels
Hunger will decrease once ketosis starts

11. OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Products
Bars
Desserts
Soups
Shakes
12 Pack
18 Pack
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.

12. Allergies/Intolerances
Product
Gluten containing ingredients
Lactose (Per Serve)
Fructose (Per Serve)
Inulin
Fish Oil
Glycaemic Index value
Vanilla Flavour Shake
No*
10.3g
3.4g
Yes 27
Chocolate Shake
4.0g 31
Strawberry Flavour Shake
Coffee Shake
3.0g
Banana Flavour Shake 24
Caramel Flavour Shake
0.0g 34
*Product contains glucose syrup derived from wheat which is highly refined and thus does not contain gluten .

13. Allergies/Intolerances
Product
Gluten containing ingredients
Lactose (Per Serve)
Fructose (Per Serve)
Inulin
Fish Oil
Glycaemic Index value
Chocolate Dessert No
<0.05g
4.6g 27
Lemon Crème Flavour Dessert
<0.1g
Chicken Flavour Soup
Yes
1.1g
0.09g 31
Vegetable Soup
7.1g
0.49g 24
Tomato Country Style Soup
8.1g
0.0g 25
Berry Crunch Flavour Bar
0.12g
9.4g
Chocolate Bar
0.8g
5.9g 20
Cappuccino Flavour Bar 29

14. Product Information Lactose Gluten Fructose
The Shakes, Vegetable and Tomato Soups are not suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Desserts, Chicken Soup and Bars contain a small amount of lactose and thus better tolerated.
Gluten
Shakes and Desserts do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients and are therefore suitable for people with Coeliac Disease or gluten intolerance.
Fructose
Products with fructose, inulin or lactose are not suitable for people on a low FODMAP diet.

15. Product Information Inulin Fish oil Glycaemic Index (GI)
Inulin is a dietary fibre which can help to maintain gut health.
Fish oil
The Shakes, Tomato and Vegetable Soups contain fish oils that provide Omega-3 fatty acids, a source of EPA & DHA.
Glycaemic Index (GI)
All OPTIFAST® products are low GI (<55) making them suitable for use in people with diabetes (with medical supervision from a healthcare professional).

16. Allowable foods/vegetables on the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.

17. The OPTIFAST® Online Support Program
Become a member for free today to receive:
Meal plans that you can personalise
Online support videos with Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist Joanne Turner.
Videos include: Getting started- taking the first step
3 day OPTIFAST® VLCD™ challenge
Recipe and cooking demonstration
Exercise plans that you can personalise
Community forum for sharing success stories
Recipes for different stages of the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program
Weight loss progress tracker
For more information visit

18. Resources Website: www.optifast.com.au Clinical Treatment Protocol
Co-morbidity Guidelines
Pre-operative Weight Loss
Guidelines for Diabetes

19. How we are reaching out to consumers
TVC media
- 30 sec: Helena’s weight loss update
   
Print & TVC advertorials
Pharmacy Screens
Helena’s Digital Video Diary
Online support program
Visit

20. OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Advisory Board
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is supported by an expert Advisory Board which is comprised of a broad range of Healthcare Professionals with expertise in obesity. 
These healthcare professionals include:
Cardiologists
Endocrinologists
Exercise physiologists
Sports Dietitians
Consultant physicians in clinical nutrition
Pharmacists
Clinical Psychologists

21. OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a Member of the WMCA
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a member of the Weight Management Council of Australia
Means that the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program and materials comply with the Weight Management Code of Practice
Healthcare professionals can therefore recommend the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products and program to their patients with confidence
Other members include Weight Watchers and Fernwood

22. Accredited Healthcare Professional Program
Consumers can search for an Accredited OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Healthcare Professional in their area via the website
Accredited Healthcare Professionals have completed the OPTIFAST® Accreditation Course and participate in yearly online assessments keeping them up to date with clinical and product knowledge.
The Accreditation Program is an exciting opportunity connecting clients on the OPTIFAST® Program with clinical support.

23. Visit www.optifast.com.au
Thank you!
Visit
OPTIFAST® VLCD™ is a food for special medical purposes for the dietary management of obesity and must be used under medical supervision.