Nutrisystem Diet

KEY TERMS Gingko biloba—A deciduous tree native to northern China whose leaves are used to make an extract thought to improve memory and relieve depression. Glycemic index (GI)—A system devised at the University of Toronto in 1981 that ranks carbohydrates in individual foods on a gram-for-gram basis in regard to their effect on blood glucose levels in the first two hours after a meal. There are two commonly used GIs, one based on pure glucose as the reference standard and the other based on white bread. Saturated fat—A fat that has no room for additional hydrogen atoms in its chain-like structure. High levels of saturated fats in the diet are thought to increase the risk of heart disease. Trans fat—A type of unsaturated fatty acid that takes its name from the fact that its alkyl chains are arranged in the so-called trans configuration (in which the carbon atoms that have double bonds form a long chain rather than a kinked shape). Trans fats occur naturally in small quantities in meat and dairy products; however, the largest single source of these fatty acids in the modern diet is partially hydrogenated plant oils, used in the processing of fast foods and many snack foods. Trans fats are not necessary for human health and increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Very low-calorie diet (VLCD)—A term used by nutritionists to classify weight-reduction diets that allow around 800 calories or fewer a day. None of the NutriSystem meal plans are VLCDs.

    Description
    Function
    Benefits
    Precautions
    Risks
    Research and general acceptance
    Questions to ask your doctor
    Resources

What is the Nutrisystem?

NutriSystem is a commercial weight loss program based in the Philadelphia area that delivers heat-and-eat foods directly to the customer’s home in 28-day packages. Its products have been described as ‘‘fast food for weight loss.’’ Customers select one of six specialized subprograms, each of which offers a prepackaged assortment of food items called ‘‘Favorites Package’’ or a completely customized selection. As of 2007 NutriSystem has about 800,000 customers in the United States and Canada. In addition to its meal delivery programs, the company offers dietary supplements, including a multivitamin called Nutrihance. It has also recently formed a business partnership with a network of franchised fitness centers called Slim and Tone. In early 2007, NutriSystem combined its direct online marketing of diet foods with its network division of franchised consultants. The company’s market value was estimated at $2 billion as of early 2007.

What are the Origins of the Nutrisystem?

NutriSystem began in 1972 as a producer of a liquid protein diet, which it abandoned in 1978 as a result of competition from Slim-Fast, Carnation weight loss products, and other over-the-counter liquid diet drinks. NutriSystem then started a chain of 1,200 bricks-and-mortar weight loss centers roughly similar to Weight Watchers; dieters came to the centers in person to weigh in and then purchased prepackaged portion-controlled meals to take home. The company went bankrupt in the early 1990s but reinvented itself in 1999 as an online meal delivery service. As of the early 2000s, customers may order their monthly food assortments by telephone as well as online. Although a free weight loss counseling service is available by telephone or online chat, fewer than 20% of customers make use of it.

NutriSystem conducted a survey in 2005 to gather information about customer demographics, in the course of which the company discovered that most of its customers were women between the ages of 20 and 50. In 2006 it began to target men as customers, using endorsements from such well-known professional athletes as John Kruk, Don Shula, and Dan Martino. Of the estimated 70 million adult Americans on a diet at any one time, 20 million are men. To attract male customers, NutriSystem emphasizes the inclusion of pizza, hamburgers, pasta, and other ‘‘guy foods’’ among the choices available on the two subprograms designed for men. It also emphasizes sex in its advertising, using such testimonials as one from a man who claims that his ‘‘sex life is excellent’’ since he began using NutriSystem and shedding 62 pounds. Last, the company stresses the benefits of privacy in dieting at home in its male-oriented advertising, as its focus groups indicated that many men are embarrassed to admit that they want to lose weight and regard dieters’ support groups as an indication of weakness.

Interestingly, the company’s advertising that is aimed at women differs from that of its competitors in nothiring celebrities. The company president has been quoted as saying, ‘‘Celebrities are risky. If they don’t lose the weight, it can work against you.’’

The next demographic that NutriSystem is seeking to attract is older customers. Two of the company’s six subprograms are designed for people over 60, and offer such options for health-conscious seniors as green tea and gingko biloba supplements to improve memory.