Scientific Evidence Demonstrates OPTAVIA®’s Metabolic Health Benefits, Opening the Door to Qualified HSA/FSA Clients
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health savings accounts (hsa)financial
A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged personal savings account for qualified medical expenses that lets people set aside pre-tax money, pay health costs, and often invest the balance for future use—think of it as a dedicated emergency fund that grows tax-free for health needs. Investors care because HSAs change how consumers pay for care, influence demand for medical services and insurance products, and redirect savings into financial markets when account holders invest their balances.
flexible spending accounts (fsa)financial
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are employer-sponsored accounts that let employees set aside pre-tax pay to cover eligible health or dependent-care expenses, similar to a monthly budgeted envelope funded before taxes. They matter to investors because FSAs reduce employees’ taxable income and can shift when and how healthcare and childcare dollars are spent, affecting consumer cash flow, company payroll costs and benefits competitiveness — all of which can influence a company’s financials and employee retention.
metabolic synchronizationmedical
Metabolic synchronization is the deliberate alignment or timing of chemical activity in cells, tissues or between a therapy and the body's natural rhythms so biochemical processes work together rather than at odds. For investors, products or tests that achieve this can make treatments more predictable and effective—like getting an orchestra to play in time—potentially improving clinical results, lowering side effects, and strengthening a drug's commercial and regulatory prospects.
visceral adipositymedical
Visceral adiposity is the buildup of fat deep inside the abdomen that wraps around internal organs, distinct from the pinchable fat under the skin. For investors, it matters because this “hidden” fat drives risk for diseases, shapes demand for drugs, devices and diagnostics, and affects clinical trial results and healthcare spending—think of it like excess padding around an engine that can change how the whole system runs and how much it costs to fix.
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
As part of its continued focus on improving metabolic health, Medifast® (NYSE: MED) today announced that OPTAVIA’s comprehensive metabolic health system is available for reimbursementon select insurance plans using Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). OPTAVIA clients may be able to save up to 40% on program costs by working with their medical provider and insurance administrator to use pre-tax medical funds, offering accessibility for those prioritizing their metabolic health.
This milestone reinforces Medifast’s position as a science-driven health and wellness leader, with a metabolic reset plan that reverses metabolic dysfunction — a widespread but often overlooked health concern, with more than 90% of U.S. adults classified as metabolically unhealthy.1 OPTAVIA is designed to address these challenges head-on, combining a science-backed system with coaching to guide clients toward improvements in their metabolic health, targeting the root cause of metabolic dysfunction.
“This is a major moment for our company, and more importantly, for the millions of people across the U.S. seeking solutions for improving their health,” said Nicholas Johnson, President of Medifast. “With OPTAVIA's metabolic health system available on select insurance plans using HSA and FSA funds, we're encouraging more people to access the innovative tools and science-backed solutions they need to help promote metabolic health.”
OPTAVIA’s approach is rooted in our breakthrough science, Metabolic Synchronization™, which resets the body’s metabolism through healthy, quality weight loss, targeting visceral fat reduction, preserving lean mass and protecting healthy muscle.2
“With Metabolic Synchronization, we’re empowering individuals to take control of their metabolic health,” said Dr. Satya Jonnalagadda, Vice President of Scientific & Clinical Affairs at Medifast. “Our science-backed solutions achieve more than just weight loss — they improve body composition by reducing visceral fat, preserving lean mass and protecting healthy muscle, which are critical to restoring metabolic balance.”
Using the science of Metabolic Synchronization, Medifast plans to launch a new system in 2026 featuring products that incorporate clinically studied ingredients designed to further support metabolic health, marking the next step in the company’s ongoing commitment to providing solutions that adapt to every stage of the health journey.
1O’Hearn M et al. Trends and Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2018. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022; 80(2):138-151. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.046
2In a clinical study, 98% of lean mass was retained and individuals experienced a reduction of 14% visceral adiposity [visceral fat] on the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan® at 16 weeks. Arterburn LM, et al. Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity. Obes Sci Pract. 2018;5(1):3-14. doi: 10.1002/osp4.312.
About Medifast
Medifast (NYSE: MED) is the health and wellness company known for its science-backed, coach-guided lifestyle system. Designed to address the challenges of metabolic dysfunction, the company's holistic approach integrates personalized plans, scientifically developed products and a framework for sustainable habit creation — all supported by a dedicated network of independent coaches.
Driven to improve metabolic health through advanced science and comprehensive behavioral support, Medifast has introduced Metabolic Synchronization™, a breakthrough science that reverses metabolic dysfunction through targeted metabolic reset. Research demonstrates that the company's comprehensive system activates strong and targeted fat burning to enhance metabolic health and body composition by reducing visceral fat, preserving lean mass and protecting muscle integrity.
Backed by more than 40 years of clinical heritage, Medifast continues to advance its mission of Lifelong Transformation, Making a Healthy Lifestyle Second Nature®. For more information, visit www.MedifastInc.com.
