Nutrisystems Diet

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NutriSystem Nourish Diet plan is a "send you the food" diet plan operated by NutriSystem, Inc.(NASDAQ: NTRI) of Horsham, Pennsylvania. The NutriSystem Diet is based on the Glycemic Index of Carbohydrates. Combined exercise, and frequent smaller portioned meals, the glycemic index diet is supposed to reduce hunger (due to a constant blood glucose).[1] There is some support for weight loss and health benefits of low glycemic-index diets in controlled scientific studies,[2][3] however, some other studies have suggested there is no long-term benefit to these diets.[4] It was founded by Stacie Mullen, a television personality, in 1991 when the company was going to produce 20 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks.

The diet consists of 3 meals plus dessert/snacks which cost about $10+ per day, shipping is often charged separate. Clients order the food up front and receive a shipment every 28 days, which forms the base for each meal. None of the food needs refrigeration. You must supply 50% to 60% of the total food for the diet on your own, in the form of fresh fruit, salads, low GI carbohydrates including bread, eggs and low or no-fat yogurt and cheese. Vegetarian, Type II Diabetic, and Silver (senior citizen) plans are available in addition to normal male and female meal plans. Clients can also customize their orders to include their favorite foods from a list at no additional cost.

The company started out in 1972 selling a liquid protein diet, which it abandoned in 1978 due to the growth of competition. It then started selling food which was packaged and preserved in portion controlled packages, to take the decisions out of dining. [5] The company went bankrupt in the early 1990's and closed down its weight-loss centers. It reemerged in 1999 as an internet advertiser, and a publicly traded company, with the meals shipped to consumers. [6] CEO Michael Hagen shifted advertising to TV, using satisfied customers in ads. Clients can call, email or chat online with the weight loss counselors for advice or support. The average customer stays on the program 10 weeks. Many regain the weight lost. [7]


[edit] References

  1. ^ Brand-Miller J, Holt S, Pawlak D, McMillan J (2002). "Glycemic index and obesity". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 76 (1): 281S–5S. PMID 12081852. 
  2. ^ Livesey G (2005). "Low-glycaemic diets and health: implications for obesity". The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 64 (1): 105–13. doi:10.1079/PNS2004400. PMID 15877929. 
  3. ^ Jenkins D, Kendall C, Augustin L, Franceschi S, Hamidi M, Marchie A, Jenkins A, Axelsen M (2002). "Glycemic index: overview of implications in health and disease". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 76 (1): 266S–73S. PMID 12081850. 
  4. ^ Raben A (2002). "Should obese patients be counselled to follow a low-glycaemic index diet? No". Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 3 (4): 245–56. PMID 12458971. 
  5. ^ Burling, Stacey. "Shapely Success Selling diet food so sexy, simple!" The Philadelphia Inquirer. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. Washington: May 21, 2006. pg. 1. Source type: Wire Feed ProQuest document ID: 1039763531 Text Word Count 1433 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1039763531&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=76566&RQT=309&VName=PQD (subscription)
  6. ^ NutriSystem® - About Us
  7. ^ Palmeri, Christopher, "How NutriSystem Got Fat And Happy. Business Week. New York: Sep 19, 2005., Iss. 3951; pg. 82. Source type: Periodical ISSN: 07398395 ProQuest document ID: 896350811 Text Word Count 893 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=896350811&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=76566&RQT=309&VName=PQD (subscription)

[edit] External links