
Want to know more about Optavia? Is Optavia a scam? Or are their diet-plans useful for losing weight and improving your overall health? Continue reading this review to discover the truth about Optavia.
Quick disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Optavia (or any MLM company for that matter) so don't worry. This is an unbiased, opinion-based review.
Optavia Review Summary:
Product Name: Optavia (previously known as Take Shape for Life)
Rating: 20/100
Founder: Wayne Scott Andersen
Industry: Health/Wellness
Scheme: Multi-Level Marketing
Price: Minimum to start the business = $298. That's $199 for the OPTAVIA Business Kit, and another $99/year for their Admission Fee.
Pros: Decent supplements. Weight loss plans do help people lose weight.
The Cons: Expensive. Reliance on their products to lose weight. Complicated compensation system. Poor customer support.
The Bottom Line: Not a scam, but not something we recommend. Optavia is a run-of-the-mill health supplement MLM. Though the supplements aren't bad, they're pricey, and you can find better alternatives elsewhere.
If you're interested in Optavia for the money making opportunity, check out our top recommendation instead, it's got all the tools and training to help your build a successful online business. Plus 10 Free Classes to get started!
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Wanna check out our Optavia Video Review? Awesome, just press play on the video below...
What is Optavia?
Optavia Essentials, formerly known as Take Shape for Life, is a subsidiary company of Medifast Inc., a weight loss company based in Baltimore, Maryland which is founded on 1980 by a medical doctor William Vitale.
First things first, Optavia is a MLM company in the health and wellness industry. Instead of offering the usual line of supplements, Optavia's products are life-style transformation plans.
These plans include exercise and diet recommendations tailored to your individual needs. Naturally, the plans are built around using Optavia supplements, but the plans also recommend Lean and Green meals. These meals are supposed to be cooked on your own, with no Optavia supplements (we'll talk more about their plans later on).

Optavia "Distributors" are called "Coaches", and you can choose to become one, if you want to earn money by promoting the company and opportunity. We'll talk about the compensation plan in the next section.
Making Money with Optavia:
Optavia's compensation plan is quite similar to most MLM companies, not much is different besides a few terms. Nevertheless, we'll run through it real quick to give you an idea of what to expect.
Wait a Minute!
Promoting a MLM Company is NOT a good idea.
First, let's start with the requirements to join Optavia.
(Unlike the previous MLM we reviewed, Acti-Labs, Optavia's compensation plan is - once again - unnecessarily complicated)
Optavia's Requirements:
To participate in the compensation plan you need to...
- Purchase a OPTAVIA Business Kit - $199
- Pay the Admission Fee - $99/annual
- $199 to become Certified (not required, but unlocks more bonuses)
- Minimum Start Up Cost: $298
Since Optavia has over 3 pages of "Terms to Learn" we'll skip that section, but you can read more about the 20-page compensation plan here if you want.
Now:
Four Ways to Earn Money with Optavia:
Optavia's compensation plan uses the three standard methods of paying distributors:
- Client Support Income (Personal Sales)
- Team Building (The MLM Scheme)
- Leadership Development
- Cash Bonuses
At the initial stages, the standard way to earn is through commissions on direct sells. Coaches earn approximately 15% commissions on all personal sales, with weekly pay-outs. What this means is you earn 15% on Personal Volume the people directly under you generate (also called your Front Line Volume).
If you don't want to recruit new people, then you can choose to only promote the products and plans for a commission.
Thanks to the Internet, I'm constantly getting at least 20 new leads per day without doing any cold calling, hard selling or recruiting.
I've already achieved financial independence after working 1 year in affiliate marketing by earning a 4-Figure Passive Income Online.
Team Building Bonuses
Pretty much every MLM company has these bonuses, so once you're familiar with one, then you're familiar with all of them. Nevertheless, let's brush over Optavia's team bonnus structure.
These bonuses allow you to earn commissions from people under you, but your rank must be at least one notch higher than theirs. On the other hand, this opportunity is locked unless you become a Senior Coach, and we'll talk about the rank requirements in a second.

As you move up in ranks, another level of commissions is unlocked. For example, when you're a Manager, then you can earn 6% commissions from your coaches, and 2% from Senior Coaches, and so forth.
The goal is to reach executive director, where you can earn commissions on literally everyone under you. I doubt many people, besides the creators, hold this position.
There are also other bonuses, such as Fully Integrated Business Coach Consistency Bonus. That's a mouthful. You can earn this bonus when you earn 6,000 front-line volume, five senior coach teams, and 15,000 group volume. If you can do that within three months, a $1,000 cash bonus is waiting for you.

The compensation plan includes a lot of this little bonuses here and there to reward you for working hard.
Here are a few other bonuses:
- National Elite Leadership Bonus
- Global Elite Leadership Bonus
- Presidential Elite Leadership Bonus
- Generation Bonuses
- Team Growth Bonus
And so on. The details aren't that important, the short version is you need to keep working and moving up in the ranks, and you're bound to run into some bonuses.
Need help making money online? Read our Guide to Making Money Online to see what works best!
Breaking Down Optavia's Income Disclosure:
Optavia does have an income disclosure statement. However, the income is listed in ranges, making it difficult to figure out exactly how much income the coaches are earning with the compensation plan. Nevertheless, there are some interesting facts found in the statement we should talk about.
- In 2017, the company had 15,000 consultants (coaches).
- 29.79% of coaches earned zero dollars. No earnings.
Income ranges and coach distribution:
- $0.01 - 100 - 11.23%
- $100 - 250 - 10.32%
- $250 - 500 - 7.96%
- $500- 1,000 - 10.56%
- $1,000 - 2,500 - 12.23%
- $2,500 - 5,000 - 6.55%
- (From here percentages drop drastically)
Looking at this chart, chances are you think that doesn't look too bad. Twelve percent, the largest group of coaches, are earning between $1,000 and 2,500 dollars - it doesn't look bad.
Here's the kicker:
Those are annual earnings, not monthly income. It's not profit, either. Suddenly that 12 percent group doesn't look that impressive anymore. Turns out, they're earning between $83 - 208 a month. Not much at all.
Another interesting factoid is most of the members, (29.79%) earn nothing from the opportunity, but they still have to pay the minimum required fees. We're also not accounting for what these people spend inside the company, either.
Chances are they dropped a lot of cash into products and promotional materials, and got nothing in return. Not very fun!
Optavia Products:
So what is it that you'll be promoting as a coach, besides the MLM opportunity? If you don't wish to harass your friends, maybe you'll choose to only promote the products for the sales commissions.
If that's the case, here is a brief overview of the Optavia products, or Optavia Fuelings as they like to call them.

The majority of Optavia products are low-calorie meal replacements, which you're supposed to consume every few hours.
āEssentially, they're energy and health-bars, similar to the ones you can find in any health store. But it's not only that.
They sell products in the following categories:
- Drinks
- Kits
- Meal Replacements
- Meals
- Shakes and Smoothies
- Soups
- And various snacks.
The bars are by far the most popular category, with over 12 variations. In comparison, the other categories only have a few products, the drink category only has two drinks.
From the looks of it, the products themselves aren't bad. Most people like them, but complain their a bit pricey for what you get. Overall, they look like regular health supplements.
Nevertheless, this is what you'll be promoting as an Optavia coach.
Is Optavia a Scam?
Now, is Optavia a Scam?
Being recognized as one of the trusted companies in America by Forbes and supported by science, Optavia is not a scam.
āThe MLM strcuture rarely works, and resembles a pyramid scheme, but it wouldn't be fair to call it an outright scam.
Nevertheless, it's not something we recommend.
Optavia Pros:
Here's what we liked about Optavia:
1. Long Standing History:
The company was founded in 2002 but it's founder was involved in other health companies before that. Medifast, the parent company, was founded in 1980 making it one of the oldest MLM companies out there.
2. Weight Loss Programs Work:
But not necessarily for the reason you think. See the weight loss plans are basically built on the concept of calories in and calories out. You can accomplish this with their products or with good old fashion self-control - and that's usually cheaper too. Plenty of people say they have lost weight with Optavia.
3. Has an Income Disclosure Statement:
The company is somewhat transparent with their earnings, so you can have an idea of how much coaches earn inside. Check out this breakdown of the income disclosure statement before you continue.
The Cons with Optavia:
It is has it's problems, too.
1. Coaches that Aren't Certified:
There's more to becoming a health coach than paying an admission fee. Most of the people who promote Optavia aren't actual health coaches. They don't really know what's best, and most don't have much experience.
2. Expensive:
We're not just talking about the admission fees and kits here, the products themselves are quite expensive. There are a lot of other fees to factor into the plan too, most people lose money with the opportunity.
On average, people spend $350 a month on the company, and most people make no earnings. You also have to pay for shipping too.
3. Reliance on Their Products:
Naturally, they're trying to make as many sales as possible, but when you design diet plans that revolve around your products, somethings not right. With their plans you need to consume boxes of energy bars a day.
Do you really need that, though? I imagine you could cut out their products entirely and replace them with something healthier.
4. Poor Customer Support:
Numerous reviews online mention Optavia's poor customer support. It seems like it takes a long time to get someone to fix small issues. Looks like the internal team needs some work, as calls are often left un-answered, and finding someone who has the authority to make a decision is a hassle.
A Much Better Alternative:
MLM companies rarely work, and Optavia is no different. Granted, there are likely some people making money with it, but that doesn't mean it's something we recommend.
An alternative would be something that doesn't charge you hundreds of dollars and have an ridiculously complex compensation plan. If you're looking for an opportunity that's incredibly easy to start, check out our recommended program below.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Optavia review. Hopefully now you know that even though Optavia is not a scam, it's not something we recommend. Leave a comment if you have any questions.
Great post! Thank you for the insightful article. I would like to add a little bit more information that optavia is a weight loss or maintenance plan that prescribes eating a mixture of purchased and processed foods – called “fueling’s” – and “lean and green” homemade meals.
Thanks for this article on Optavia as I am always on the lookout for good marketing programs that might have worthwhile opportunities. Unfortunately, Optavia, for me is not one of them and I am glad I found your review that laid out the details on this company in a clear and precise manner that anyone can comprehend. Is this the worst real company you have found?
Oh gosh no Joh, Optavia is pretty similar to most health based mlm’s. The really aggressive companies you’ve got to watch out for are the one’s that are referred to as “High Ticket” Opportunities. These can get up to 20K for a membership and the training is nothing but teaching you how to do what they do…High Pressure Sales.
Thanks for your feedback on our review, if you need real help making money online, take our free internet marketing training and don’t risk a dime to understand how online business works.
Thanks,
Todd
It still amazes me that people get involved in MLM schemes. It’s been documented multiple times that the only ones to make money, are the kings at the top of the tree. When plebs like you and me sign up, we make very little, which you’ve duely noted in your Optavia review. Earning between $83 – $208 per month is not going to allow anyone to leave their job, and that’s at higher end. I’d give this system a miss.
Nicely stated Nigel, thanks for your feedback on Optavia. It’s not a scam, but not what I recommend.
Cheers
Hi Todd, thanks for sharing this information with me. Recently I started taking Ketones to assist me lose weight and I’ve had really good success with this (lost 13kgs and only have a few more to reach my goal weight). I loved the product so much that I’ve signed up to be a promoter. That’s going okay. But what has stunned me, is how MANY people are trying to sell and promote supposed health and weight loss products. It’s a hugely competitive marketplace out there, and I think it would be only a select few that would actually make decent money out of it. I think I need to check out your number one recommendation instead, as diet products are a really hard sell. Thanks again, Cheers, Karen
Great advice Karen, much appreciated and I’m sure others looking into Optavia will appreciate your perspective as well.
Hi Todd,
Thank you for your detailed and honest Optavia review. I was especially interested in reading it because I agree with you that the better way of making money online is affiliate marketing. At the same time, I am involved with an MLM company. It sounds like you are against MLMs in general. The MLM I am with has zero start-up cost and no obligations to buy their products. The product line is also in the wellness niche, and I personally use many of their high-quality products and love them. In the video, you said to your viewers that if they are still interested in promoting Optavia, you’ll show them a better way of doing so. I didn’t find where you offer such help. I thought that you would recommend promoting Optavia via blogging and utilizing SEO techniques to attract traffic – somewhat similar to affiliate marketing. This is what I am trying to do. I wonder what you think about that idea. I hear you recommending affiliate marketing INSTEAD of MLM. As a response to “Is Optavia a scam?” you say: no, it’s not a scam. Then, the reason for you to NOT recommend promoting Optavia is mostly low or even negative net income (considering participation cost). Am I correct in my thinking? Would you advise against combining Affiliate Marketing with Multi-Level Marketing even if there is no cost involved in joining the MLM? If so, could you please explain why?
Thank you very much,
~ Julia
Hi Julia,
Throughout my website and on the sidebar along is an optin and at the top right menu is a section that says free gift. If you click on either one of those sections you can get our free targeted traffic ebook.
You can use this ebook to Target traffic for anything, mlms included. as a matter of fact you can use it for affiliate marketing or e-commerce or whatever you like.
So it’s not that I’m so against multi-level marketing opportunities, in generally I don’t think that they work out for most of the people who try them, so I prefer affiliate marketing. It’s an even playing ground for everyone.
But if they have a good product and you want to market it I think you just need to market it correctly my ranking in massive search engines like Google and YouTube versus beating up your friends and family.
I hope that clears things up.
Thanks,
Todd
Hi Todd,
This is a great review for a not so recommended product. Your Optavia review is well detailed and also visually got it with the 1 star. This is very pricey for sure. I have been a victim of a no so worthwhile programs to make money online. not only is it a waste of money its also a waste time as you tread a never ending treadmill going nowhere. I have also felt robbed for the program not being upfront about the hidden costs.
I love that you gave an alternative for a recommended training program. I will definitely check it out. The fact that it does not ask for credit card or any payment to access the first 10 lessons means that they are confident with the product.
I hope that this has no upsells and hidden costs once I start. Just curious, after the 10 lessons, what’s the cost like.
Hi Zikora,
Thanks for your feedback on Optavia. Yeah, Wealthy Affiliate is a straight up deal. You get to explore the training and community free of charge. After that you’ll want to join the Premium Membership to continue building out your online business. I went through it and it took me about 9 months. Think if like a professional education but you can do things at your own pace.
After that it’s a straight up fee. $19 the first month, $49 after that or a yearly discount at $1/day. NO UPSELLS my friend and you’ve got all the tools you need in one place plus all the ongoing support.
Take a look at our Wealthy Affiliate review to get more details.
Best,
Todd
This Optavia program doesn’t sound like a good opportunity for me. I never tried it and I don’t plan to because it’s way too expensive when you consider all the product you have to buy and the risk if they don’t sell. And like you said, you can get similar products anywhere, and I do. And the amount of you money you can earn is ridiculously low. No thanks lol, sticking with affiliate marketing – no risk, lots of money! š
Awesome Buffy, yeah, a lot of people don’t know about affiliate marketing. Thanks for your feedback on our Optavia review.